On Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to trade cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams.
Before diving into the details of the franchise-altering trade, it’s important to recognize the value McDuffie has had for the Chiefs.
It could be argued that trading up to draft McDuffie was essential to winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 2022 and 2023. Former Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed deserves credit for his performance in 2023, but McDuffie was arguably better and was also critical in run
defense and blitzing.
Besides defensive tackle Chris Jones, I’d argue McDuffie was the second-best defender on that defense, which carried them through road-playoff games and to victory in Super Bowl LVIII.
McDuffie was a tremendous player who could play multiple positions in different schemes and deserves appreciation from Chiefs Kingdom. That being said, it’s understandable why general manager Brett Veach made this move.
The franchise got a strong return for McDuffie, selling when his value seemingly peaked for a haul of picks: No. 29 this year, a fifth-round pick, a sixth and a 2027 third-round selection. On top of that, the team has $13.5 million in cap space available because of McDuffie’s departure.
Moving forward, the focus will now be on how the Chiefs rebuild the secondary. With cornerback Jaylen Watson and safety Bryan Cook hitting free agency, the Chiefs might have to do most of the work this offseason.
Let’s break it down, starting with those re-signing opportunities:
Internal Options
It was going to be difficult for the Chiefs to pay Cook or Watson while extending McDuffie, but that is now a much stronger possibility.
Theoretically, the Chiefs could re-sign both players — but it will most likely be just one of the two. Both Watson and Cook should be high-commodity free agents able to demand a high-priced deal. However, each played to a level that isn’t worth overspending for, so re-signing one while using draft capital to replace the other seems like the best solution.
Between those two players, Watson makes more sense to resign, and it has been reported that Watson has become “an important piece” for Kansas City in the wake of trading McDuffie. The Chiefs need an outside cornerback, and Watson has proven good in that role. If the team enters 2026 with Watson, Nohl Williams and Kristian Fulton as the top three cornerbacks, that’s not a bad start to the group’s rebuild.
My guess is Watson will sign a contract between $13-18 million annually; Spotrac estimates his market value will demand $12.5 million per year. That’s a steep price, but one Kansas City can stomach with a newfound excess in draft capital.
Cook would be cheaper to resign, but possibly easier to replace due to the strength of this year’s safety class in the draft. Also, a starting-capable safety would be inexpensive to sign in free agency. The Chiefs do need safety help, but there are more options externally than at cornerback.
External Free Agents
If the Chiefs lose Watson, a follow-up target on the open market could be Seattle Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe. He is a similar player to Watson: a long, boundary cornerback that bothers receivers with length and has high zone-coverage IQ.
In free agency, the cornerback position is not as stocked with intriguing options as safety is.
Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross, at 25 years old, would fit what Veach typically desires in free agency. Cross is more of a box safety who helps against the run, which would fill a hole left behind by former Chiefs safety Justin Reid.
Baltimore Ravens safety Alohi Gilman was helpful for both the Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers as a coverage-minded free safety in 2025. He dramatically improved the Ravens’ defense after the midseason trade, allowing Baltimore to weaponize safety Kyle Hamilton in the box.
Gilman would be great on a bargain contract, as Arrowhead Pride writer Jared Sapp pointed out this week.
Should defensive back be targeted at pick No. 9?
If the target is Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who personally reminds me of Chiefs all-time great Eric Berry, the answer is yes.
Downs is a terror for opposing offenses. That was showcased against Texas in 2025; he completely changed the game by playing the “robber” role to lock down the middle of the field. The Longhorns were unable to throw near Downs, who is also an incredible slot defender.
If it’s LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, then no. Delane is a smart player who drives on routes and shows surprising strength in coverage. That being said, his ceiling isn’t high enough to justify using the ninth pick.
Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy is also an option, but he is too risky to pick high after not playing in 2025 due to a torn ACL.
Other draft options
When focusing on picks No. 29 and 40, there are some great options to draft secondary players.
Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman excelled at the NFL Scouting Combine, trending towrads being valued as a first-round pick. Thieneman is best in the box, where he makes impact tackles because he has quality size. He projects best either in the slot or in a quarters scheme, coming downhill and making tackles.
Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeill-Warren is a huge safety at 6 feet 3 inches tall and over 200 lbs. He should also excel in the nickel, taking on blocks and blitzing, but there’s more to learn about with him.
At cornerback, Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell would make sense in the slot. He is undersized, but plays physical in both the run and pass game. He could be an option at either 29 or 40.
Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds is my personal favorite to choose. Ponds will have size concerns, but he is incredibly intelligent. He is great in zone coverage and has elite field awareness. He’s not a bad athlete either. He should be able to translate across schemes. He’s another player who should project to the slot, in my opinion.
