Rams, Chiefs Updated Salary Cap, NFL Draft Picks After Reported Trent McDuffie Trade

Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead is once again pushing in his chips for a Super Bowl run.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Wednesday the Rams are acquiring cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Los Angeles has $29.3 million in salary cap space even after absorbing the $13.6 million McDuffie is due to earn in 2026. His cap number might ultimately be higher or lower since he's due to be a free agent in 2027 and could negotiate an extension with the Rams.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, are $8.5 million in the red after having removed McDuffie from the payroll. General manager Brett Veach still needs to find some savings.

The terms of the trade further illustrate Los Angeles and Kansas City's differing priorities in the short term. The Chiefs are getting back four draft picks, including the No. 29 overall selection this year.

Here are each franchise's draft assets this spring:

Kansas City Chiefs 2026 Draft Picks

• Round 1: No. 9, No. 29 (via Rams)
• Round 2: No. 40
• Round 3: No. 74
• Round 4: No. 109
• Round 5: No. 147, No. 168 (via Rams), No. 177 (compensatory pick)
• Round 6: No. 210 (via Rams)

Los Angeles Rams 2026 Draft Picks

• Round 1: No. 13 (via Falcons)
• Round 2: No. 61
• Round 3: No. 93
• Round 6: No. 207 (via Texans)
• Round 7: No. 231 (via Ravens) No. 250 (compensatory pick), No. 251 (compensatory pick)

From the Chiefs' side, the parallels between this and the Tyreek Hill trade are obvious.

During the 2022 offseason, Hill was angling for a new deal, and his market value was too rich for Kansas City. While the passing game hasn't quite been the same since the five-time All-Pro's departure, the team went on to win the next two Super Bowls.

One key difference now is that quarterback Patrick Mahomes is recovering from a torn ACL. He's optimistic about returning by Week 1, but his injury presents a big question mark.

A 6-11 finish also showed how much the roster needs to be retooled. This is the time for Veach to build a younger, less expensive roster, and trading McDuffie helps him achieve that.

Los Angeles is hopeful that history repeats itself in a much different way.

The Rams moved for veteran corner Jalen Ramsey midway through the 2019 season. Two years later, he was a key player on their championship-winning squad.

McDuffie's performance dipped a bit in 2025 compared to 2023 and 2024. He recorded 63 tackles with one interception and seven pass breakups. According to Pro Football Reference, opposing quarterbacks had a 63.3 percent completion rate and 95.5 passer rating when targeting him.

Still, the 25-year-old will provide an immediate impact on a defense that finished 19th in passing yards allowed. He's also better than what's available in free agency, with Riq Woolen and Jaylen Watson headlining the cornerback group.

And for as costly as it is to part with a first-rounder, the Rams retain the No. 13 overall selection thanks to last year's draft-day trade with the Atlanta Falcons.