2 Reasons a Trent McDuffie Trade to the Rams Makes Little Sense for the Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are staring at a difficult financial reality heading into 2026.
Trent McDuffie is currently set to play under his fifth year option, a fully guaranteed 13.6 million dollar salary.
Kansas City, meanwhile, is projected to sit nearly 55 million dollars over the salary cap.
That combination has sparked outside speculation.
Most notably, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell floated a proposal that would send McDuffie and a 2026 fifth round pick to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for the No. 29 overall pick in this year’s draft.
On the surface, the logic appears straightforward.
If the Chiefs are unwilling to extend McDuffie long term, extract value now rather than lose him for a future compensatory selection.
But once examined closely, the proposal begins to unravel.
Here are two major reasons it does not align with Kansas City’s competitive or strategic priorities.
1. The Return Does Not Reflect McDuffie’s True Value
Trent McDuffie is not merely a solid starter.
He is arguably the Chiefs’ best draft selection since the franchise traded up to acquire Patrick Mahomes in 2017.
At just 25 years old, McDuffie has already established himself as an All Pro caliber cornerback.
His versatility allows him to play outside, in the slot, and in complex matchup roles.
He has consistently neutralized elite receivers, even if interception totals have not fully captured his impact.
Opposing quarterbacks have often avoided throwing in his direction.
That avoidance is a testament to respect.
Now compare that level of performance to the proposed compensation.
The Rams would send the 29th overall pick.
Kansas City would also surrender a fifth round selection in the process.
That framework undervalues a cornerstone defender entering his prime.
Just months ago, the Indianapolis Colts sent two future first round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets for Sauce Gardner.
Gardner, while elite, was not even the first corner selected in the 2022 draft class.
Derek Stingley Jr. went ahead of him.
McDuffie, the third corner chosen that year, is arguably the most complete of the trio.
If Gardner commanded a package involving multiple first round assets, how does McDuffie plus a pick net only No. 29 overall.
Brett Veach has demonstrated discipline in negotiations before.
At last year’s trade deadline, he refused to part with a third round pick for running back Breece Hall.
It is difficult to envision the Chiefs general manager accepting a proposal that falls short of market precedent for elite young defensive backs.
If Kansas City moves McDuffie, the return must be transformational.
A single late first round selection is not transformational.
2. Quantity of Draft Capital Matters More Than a Single Premium Pick
The Chiefs’ cap constraints severely limit their ability to aggressively attack free agency.
Roster improvement in 2026 will hinge heavily on draft success.
Kansas City is projected to receive a fifth round compensatory pick for losing Justin Reid in free agency.
That would give the club seven selections overall.
Seven picks is respectable.
But for a team juggling multiple needs and financial strain, more swings at the plate are preferable to fewer premium swings.
A McDuffie trade should ideally yield multiple selections.
Day 2 picks.
Future assets.
Perhaps even a package combining immediate and future flexibility.
Barnwell himself acknowledged he would rather see Kansas City extend McDuffie long term.
Yet he also noted the organization has historically been conservative when paying top tier money to cornerbacks.
Since 2018, the Chiefs have spent just 112.2 million dollars in cash at the corner position, among the lowest totals in the league.
If that pattern continues, a trade becomes plausible.
But if a trade occurs, maximizing quantity alongside quality becomes critical.
The Chiefs originally acquired McDuffie by leveraging draft capital gained from the Tyreek Hill trade with Miami.
That strategic maneuver required multiple picks and careful asset management.
It was not a one for one exchange.
Trading McDuffie for a single late first rounder contradicts that philosophy.
Kansas City needs depth.
It needs cost controlled contributors.
It needs flexibility.
A single selection at No. 29 does not fully address those priorities.
The Bigger Picture
The Chiefs remain in championship contention as long as Mahomes anchors the offense.
However, defensive stability has been a defining component of recent success.
Removing a proven, versatile, All Pro caliber corner from that equation introduces volatility.
Salary cap stress is real.
But elite talent at premium positions is harder to replace than cap space is to manipulate.
If Kansas City entertains offers for McDuffie, the baseline must exceed Barnwell’s suggestion.
Appropriate value is not optional.
It is mandatory.
Anything less risks weakening a championship window in exchange for marginal draft positioning
