At the time of the trade, McDuffie was facing the final season of his rookie contract, set to play on a fifth-year option for $13.63 million.
The Rams sent four picks, including the 26th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, to the Chiefs in exchange for McDuffie, who they have grand plans to add to a defense that ranked 19th in the NFL in passing during LA’s run to the NFC Championship a season ago.
A 2022 first-rounder acquired by Kansas City, McDuffie’s impending price tag was too high to stick with the Chiefs, but the Rams clearly see him as the centerpiece of their defense for years to come.
Set to play in his age-26 season, McDuffie had 63 tackles, seven pass breakups and an interception in 13 starts last year. He ended the Chiefs’ disappointing 6-11 campaign on injured reserve with a knee injury. He has been excellent throughout his NFL career, as evidenced by his 83.1 and 82.9 overall PFF grades in 2023 and 2024, which rank him in the top six.
Able to line up in the slot or outside to be balanced, McDuffie is a plus player in any situation against the pass or the run.
In draft terms and cash, the Rams are paying a high price for a cornerback who they believe will pay it forward in their quest for the Lombardi Trophy.