On Tuesday morning, Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead spoke with reporters via video conference to talk about the team’s offseason strategy ahead of free agency and the draft over the next two months.
One particular takeaway from the press conference — posted on X by Nate Atkins, senior Rams writer for The Athletic — grabbed the attention of Chiefs Kingdom, and it’s easy to see why.
After setting the table by describing Snead as sounding “aggressive to maximize Matthew Stafford’s window,” Atkins pointed out three notes:
- Snead sounds willing to trade a first-round pick — either the 13th or 29th selection — for “a proven player.”
- The Rams’ secondary is a priority when considering roster improvement. Atkins quoted Snead as saying, “Is there an All-Pro that you could add?”
- Snead told reporters that Los Angeles is actively talking with other teams about trades
If it hasn’t become clear why Kansas City should take note of Snead’s message, here’s a hint: Chiefs’ cornerback Trent McDuffie — who is currently seeking an extension before the final year of his rookie deal — has been named to the All-Pro team twice in four seasons. In 2023, he was named first-team All-Pro slot cornerback.
Jesse Newell of The Athletic alluded to it on X, but a friend of the site and A to Z Sports managing editor Charles Goldman pointed out an interesting nugget in an article last week; he took note of the Rams’ action to promote Jimmy Lake to defensive backs coach and defensive passing-game coordinator:
Lake has been a renowned defensive backs coach over his career, particularly with the Washington Huskies, where he recruited and developed a slew of NFL Draft prospects who have gone on to carve out strong career at the next level. One of those Huskies was McDuffie himself. In fact, Lake served as McDuffie’s primary recruiter, and their relationship was a key reason why McDuffie committed to Washington in the first place.
McDuffie has proven himself as a difference-making player, worthy of the long-term deal he is seeking with Kansas City. That said, general manager Brett Veach has to monitor the trade market in a case like this, knowing he is not the only front office that would feel confident offering the 25-year old cornerback a worthwhile payday with long-term security.
McDuffie was also born and raised in Westminster, California, a neighboring city to Los Angeles in Orange County.
In 2025, the Rams’ secondary might have been the difference between a win and a loss in the postseason. The Seattle Seahawks had success through the air in the NFC Championship, and Los Angeles may see McDuffie as an instant boost towards preventing that from happening next season.
It would be interesting to know what the compensation package could look like from Los Angeles, but it’s reasonable to discuss either pick No. 13 or No. 29 as the centerpiece in a deal for McDuffie, one of the best young cornerbacks in the league.
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