The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams made a commerce on Wednesday that not many noticed coming.
The Chiefs traded famous person cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for the No. 29 general choice within the 2026 NFL Draft. The Chiefs now have two first-round picks and in addition landed fifth and sixth-round choices from the Rams and a 2027 third-round decide.
Los Angeles might want to reset the cornerback marketplace for McDuffie, who has been top-of-the-line defensive backs within the NFL and is on the lookout for a brand new contract.
Earlier this offseason, Kansas Metropolis restructured franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes once more to unlock cap area. The Chiefs additionally launched veteran offensive deal with Jawaan Taylor in a transfer that will save almost $20 million in cap area.
This offseason, the Chiefs have already misplaced McDuffie and Taylor. It’s attainable that Travis Kelce retires. Even when he comes again, it’ll doubtless be on a team-friendly contract as his manufacturing has dipped on the again 9 of his profession.
The Chiefs have two first-round picks and a good bit of cap area. The query is… what are they loading up for?
Mahomes is in his prime. That’s the excellent news. However Andy Reid’s offense simply by no means felt proper final yr. And now Mahomes will probably be getting back from a season-ending harm. This offseason, many included Kansas Metropolis to retool the offense, supporting Mahomes in his restoration. As a substitute, the Chiefs reduce a Tremendous Bowl champion offensive deal with and traded top-of-the-line corners within the recreation.
With No. 9 and No. 29 general within the NFL Draft, the Chiefs have sufficient ammunition to commerce up. Legendary defensive deal with Chris Jones isn’t getting any youthful. May the Chiefs make a transfer up a number of slots within the draft for a franchise EDGE like Ohio State’s Arvell Reese or Texas Tech’s David Bailey?
If the Chiefs are considering shifting up from No. 9, perhaps they’d additionally goal Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, who might immediately be top-of-the-line – if not the very best – huge receiver on their roster. Rashee Rice is continually in bother, and the remainder of that room is full of query marks.
Or, the Chiefs might commerce for a confirmed commodity.
It feels just like the asking worth to pry the disgruntled A.J. Brown away from the Philadelphia Eagles is a late first-round draft selection. By buying and selling McDuffie, the Chiefs have an additional first-round decide in the event that they needed to commerce for a longtime wideout.
Maxx Crosby goes to be on the transfer as properly. And whereas the Las Vegas Raiders would by no means commerce him to an AFC West rival, the thought of Crosby outdoors of the division ought to make the Chiefs really feel much more assured about doubling down on their offense.
The NFL Playoffs with out the Chiefs felt bizarre. Now, they’ve sufficient ammo to take a number of completely different routes this offseason in an effort to get again on that stage.
