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Official: Rams Sign Historic Contract with 2x Super Bowl Champion from Kansas City Chiefs, Making Him "The Highest-Paid Cornerback in NFL History" - Patrick Mahomes Can Only Say "Damn"

LOS ANGELES, California — After a long wait, the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to trade Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. This bold move by the Rams sees them paying the Chiefs a package of draft picks, including pick No. 29 (first-round 2026), plus fifth-round and sixth-round picks in 2026, along with a third-round pick in 2027.

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McDuffie will be signed to a new contract by the Rams, instead of just extending his old deal. According to Ian Rapoport, McDuffie is set to become the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, with over $30.1M per year (new money, average annual value). This figure surpasses current contracts like Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley, resetting the CB market.

After the trade news was announced, Patrick Mahomes could not hide his displeasure. Despite the Chiefs receiving valuable picks, losing a top-tier cornerback like McDuffie is hard to replace. Mahomes posted only one word on X: "Damn..."

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The reason for Mahomes' frustration with the McDuffie trade is understandable. McDuffie was not only an outstanding cornerback, but also one of the key defensive pillars of the Chiefs. After being drafted 21st overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, McDuffie proved his talent, with 3 interceptions and 34 pass deflections over 4 seasons.

In the 2025 season, McDuffie played only 13 games due to a knee injury, but still maintained impressive form. Pro Football Reference recorded that he allowed only 365 yards in pass coverage, the second-best mark of his career.

With the McDuffie trade, the Rams gain an experienced cornerback who can help strengthen their defense. McDuffie will also reunite with Jimmy Lake, his former coach at University of Washington, where McDuffie learned a lot.

In conclusion, while the McDuffie trade may bring financial benefits to the Chiefs, with Patrick Mahomes' regret, they will need to act swiftly to find a suitable replacement cornerback.

 
 
 

The starting safety of the Rams during their Super Bowl LVI championship run told Los Angeles that he still misses the team and strongly hopes to return to play — according to Ian Rapoport
Los Angeles, California – Few players embodied the defensive energy of the Los Angeles Rams during their Super Bowl LVI run quite like Taylor Rapp. Now, years after leaving the franchise, the former starting safety is once again making headlines after expressing a heartfelt desire to return to the team where his championship journey unfolded. According to Ian Rapoport, Rapp has quietly shared that Los Angeles still holds a special place in his heart. The 28-year-old safety, currently a free agent after being released by the Buffalo Bills earlier this month, is reportedly very open to a reunion with the Rams if the opportunity arises. Rapp originally joined the Rams as a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and quickly became a key contributor in the secondary. From 2019 to 2022 he developed into one of the most reliable defensive pieces in the system, helping anchor a defense that ultimately powered the Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI. After departing Los Angeles, Rapp spent time with Buffalo, gaining additional experience while continuing to build his reputation as a physical, instinctive defender. Yet despite the change of scenery, the memories of SoFi Stadium and the Rams’ championship culture have never fully faded for the former safety. “I left because it felt like the right moment at the time. But the Rams never truly left me. Every Sunday I still feel it in my heart. Los Angeles gave me everything, and sometimes I wonder what it would feel like to wear that Rams jersey one more time.” From a football standpoint, a reunion could make sense for both sides. Rapp remains just 28 years old and still possesses the versatility that made him valuable during his first stint with the team. His familiarity with the Rams’ defensive system means he would likely require little time to adjust. Los Angeles is also continuing to reshape its defensive depth chart, particularly in the secondary. If the Rams choose to pursue the idea, Rapp could serve as a rotational safety or even a hybrid safety-linebacker in certain defensive packages, providing experience, physicality, and leadership to a defense aiming to return to championship form.

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