The NFL’s new league year unofficially begins Monday with a legal tampering period. The deal, agreed to after the end of the 2025 season, is expected to become official Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Rams made one of the biggest moves of the offseason when they traded star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Rams didn’t stop trading.
More: Predictions for the first three NFL free agent signings of 2026
According to reports Sunday, McDuffie and the Rams agreed to a massive four-year, $124 million extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
The Rams have made moves to retool their secondary. Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks tore down Los Angeles’ defense in the NFC Championship Game.
By acquiring McDuffie, the Rams add a top cornerback while also addressing one of their biggest roster needs. McDuffie, a former All-Pro, is entering the final year of his rookie contract before an extension.
The Rams have never been shy about trading assets for proven talent. Since 2017, the franchise has traded a first-round pick every year except in 2024, when they selected Jared Verse.
More: 2026 NFL Free Agency will include big changes to legal tampering.
The McDuffie trade continues that trend and indicates the Rams plan to go all in with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford won NFL MVP last season, but he’s much closer to retirement than he was five years ago.
December 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium’s GEHA Field. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-Imagn Image
The Kansas City Chiefs selected McDuffie with the 21st overall pick in the 2022 draft. While in Kansas City, he won two Super Bowls and earned two All-Pro honors.
Can McDuffie provide the defensive presence the Rams need to make another Super Bowl run?
— Enjoy The Big Lead’s top news and popular stories for free. —
NFL: Dallas Cowboys star Dak Prescott splits with fiancee before marriage
Major League: Tarik Skubal breaks silence on impending free agency
Sports Media: Stephen A. Smith accuses dominant NBA star of being a ‘food addict.’
leukocyte: Livvy Dunne, Paul Skenes debut ‘travel day’ perfect for World Baseball Classic
WNBA: Players, union leaders split, letter of claim from two-time MVP and four-time All-Star
Virus: Wendy’s goes viral on NFL quarterback with ‘Chief Tasting Officer’ job offer.
(tagsTotranslation)Kansas City Chiefs
