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Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie could net a serious trade return this offseason.
The Kansas City Chiefs have already been busy shaking things up this offseason. Their coaching staff has numerous new additions, and the start of NFL free agency could lead to the roster changing as well.
Could a trade also present itself? The low-hanging fruit here is the uncertain future of cornerback Trent McDuffie. With the All-Pro stopper still without a long-term contract extension, it’s only natural to weigh the possibility of Kansas City moving on from him.
That’s precisely what one prominent writer is doing this offseason.
Bill Barnwell Pitches Trent McDuffie Trade to Los Angeles Rams
In a February 16 story for ESPN, Bill Barnwell outlined 11 trade proposals that “fit for both teams.” He believes that general manager Brett Veach set a precedent with trades of cornerbacks Marcus Peters and L’Jarius Sneed in the past.
This time, the return for McDuffie and a 2026 fifth-round pick is the Los Angeles Rams‘ own 2026 first-rounder, No. 29 overall.
“McDuffie is better than Peters or Sneed, but if the Chiefs aren’t planning on extending their top corner, getting something significant for him now makes more sense than losing him in free agency for nothing more than a 2028 compensatory pick,” Barnwell wrote. “In acquiring the No. 29 selection, the Chiefs would have three of the top-40 picks in this year’s draft, which would give them the ability to add multiple rookie contributors and/or move around for specific players.”
Barnwell finds it just a little hard to believe Kansas City will pony up at the cornerback spot, even with McDuffie’s impressive play.
“I’d rather see the Chiefs give an extension to one of their best players, but until Veach pays a cornerback top-tier money, I’m not counting on that to occur,” Barnwell added. “The Chiefs have spent just $112.2 million in cash at cornerback since the start of 2018, the third-lowest total for any team over that span. And it’s scary to think about trading a sure thing for nothing more than draft capital but remember that the Chiefs initially landed McDuffie by moving up with some of the picks they got from Miami in the Tyreek Hill trade.”
Assessing McDuffie’s Value to Chiefs at Cornerback Position
Heading into the offseason, McDuffie’s fifth-year option has been exercised. On that option, he’ll account for $13.6 million against the salary cap. He’s undoubtedly worth that price tag, but the question becomes what his value is relative to others around the league.
According to Over The Cap, five corners have an average annual contract value of $24M+. Leading the way is Indianapolis Colts star Sauce Gardner, followed by Houston Texans defender Derek Stingley Jr. Both clock in at $30M or more. Behind them, Jaycee Horn of the Carolina Panthers commands $25M AAV. Jalen Ramsey of the Pittsburgh Steelers ($24.1M) and Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos ($24M) round out the group.
It’s expected that McDuffie could command something near one of the aforementioned ballparks. Is that justified? The numbers paint a clear picture.
In each of the past two seasons, McDuffie has surrendered just 6.1 yards per target. On top of over 2,000 snaps inthe slot in his career, he’s got nearly 900 more on the outside. Barnwell noted that the former first-rounder is likely better inside, but he can also hang as a boundary piece. He’d also potentially be compensated better if viewed as a cover corner capable of handling X-style receivers.
McDuffie is also a willing tackler downhill. Pro Football Focus lists him with sub-9% missed tackle rates and 20 stops in 2024 and 2025 alike. Additionally, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has oftentimes used him as a blitzer. McDuffie is a jack of all trades, thus increasing his value. He also has multiple Super Bowl rings and a first-team All-Pro nod.
There’s no denying that someone will pay McDuffue a huge sum. If that team isn’t the Chiefs, perhaps it makes sense to move him while a premium return can be retrieved.
Jordan Foote is a seasoned sports writer who covers the NFL for Heavy.com with an emphasis on the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. He has years of experience publishing NFL and MLB content for Sports Illustrated’s On SI vertical, in addition to a background in NBA coverage for multiple outlets. Foote is a Baker University alumnus, earning his degree in Mass Media. He’s based in Kansas City. More about Jordan Foote
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