The NFL’s trade market is already in motion before the official start of the new league year, with multiple trades, contract restructures, and roster cuts reshaping teams. Quarterback Kyler Murray of the Cardinals will be released next week, avoiding $19.5 million in guaranteed money, while Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs is also expected to be cut. The Chiefs have traded cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams for a first-round pick and plan to release starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor, both moves aimed at reshaping their roster as Patrick Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL. The Texans have sent tackle Tytus Howard to Cleveland and acquired running back David Montgomery from Detroit, signaling a busy offseason ahead. The trade market is expected to be highly active as teams with cap space and pressing needs seek to address weaknesses. With the free agent market and draft class lacking standout talent, creative solutions will be necessary. The following 23 players are likely to be central to this offseason’s transactions, from potential trade targets to players in limbo. Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback, remains a contentious asset. His history of injuries, inconsistent production, and $54 million guaranteed salary in 2026 make him a difficult trade prospect. However, Miami could spread the cap hit over multiple seasons if he’s traded after June 1, potentially maximizing savings while finding a team in need. Despite his struggles, Tagovailoa’s potential as a long-term rebuild piece could attract interest, though few teams would pay top dollar for him as a backup. The Dolphins are likely to either retain him for another season or cut him this spring, with the latter option offering more flexibility.#nfl #stefon_diggs #trent_mcduffie #kyler_murray #jawaan_taylor
Patrick Mahomes Reacts to Trent McDuffie's Trade to Rams Patrick Mahomes expressed his feelings on social media after learning that cornerback Trent McDuffie had been traded to the Los Angeles Rams. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shared a brief reaction to the move, which marks the end of McDuffie’s tenure with the team. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chiefs sent McDuffie to the Rams in exchange for the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, along with a fifth-rounder, a sixth-rounder, and a 2027 third-rounder. McDuffie, who has been with the Chiefs since being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, will now join a Rams defense that aims to improve its performance. McDuffie’s time with the Chiefs included two Super Bowl titles and two All-Pro selections. He was named to the First Team All-Pro in 2023, a season in which the Chiefs won their second consecutive Lombardi Trophy. During the 2025 playoffs, McDuffie recorded seven passes defended, solidifying his legacy with the team despite the trade. The move comes as McDuffie enters the final season of his contract, allowing the Chiefs to part ways before he might have left to sign elsewhere in free agency. The trade also provides Kansas City with a significant return, including an additional first-round pick in the 2026 draft. For the Rams, the acquisition of McDuffie aligns with their win-now strategy following their 2025 NFC Championship Game appearance. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, 38 years old, is likely nearing the end of his career, making the addition of a potential All-Pro cornerback a strategic move to bolster their defense. The Rams’ defense ranked 10th in the league in points allowed and 17th in yards allowed during the 2025 season.#los_angeles_rams #kansas_city_chiefs #adam_schefter #patrick_mahomes #trent_mcduffie
Chiefs Stockpile Draft Picks, Jump Right Above Broncos in First Round The Kansas City Chiefs have bolstered their draft prospects by acquiring additional selections ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Chiefs have finalized a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, sending cornerback Trent McDuffie in exchange for first-, fifth-, and sixth-round picks in 2026, along with a third-round selection in 2027. This deal adds to the Chiefs’ existing draft assets, which already included picks in the first four rounds and two fifth-round selections. The Chiefs’ strategic move comes after a 6-11 record in the 2025 season. As a result, they are set to select ninth overall in the 2026 draft. However, the trade with the Rams has elevated their position, securing the 29th overall pick. This placement places them one spot ahead of the Denver Broncos, their AFC West division rival, in the first round. The 2026 NFL draft order reflects the league’s competitive landscape, with teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals all holding 3-14 records. The Chiefs, with a 6-11 mark, are positioned at 29th overall, while the Broncos, despite a 14-3 record, will hold nine selections in the draft. The draft will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23 to 25. The Broncos, who received two compensatory picks, will have a total of nine selections in the 2026 draft. This includes their own picks and the additional selections granted through the league’s compensatory system. The draft order underscores the Broncos’ strong season, though their placement in the first round is slightly behind the Chiefs. The Chiefs’ acquisition of the 29th pick highlights their efforts to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2026 season.#los_angeles_rams #kansas_city_chiefs #denver_broncos #2026_nfl_draft #trent_mcduffie
Chiefs stockpile draft picks, jump right above Broncos in first round The Kansas City Chiefs have bolstered their draft prospects by acquiring additional selections ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. The team finalized a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, sending cornerback Trent McDuffie in exchange for first-, fifth-, and sixth-round picks in 2026, along with a third-round selection in 2027, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. This deal adds to the Chiefs’ existing draft assets, which already included picks in the first four rounds and two fifth-round selections. The Chiefs’ strategic move positions them to select 29th overall in the 2026 draft, a spot that places them one position ahead of the Denver Broncos, their AFC West division rival. This advancement is significant as the Broncos, who finished with a 14-3 record in 2025, will hold nine selections in the draft after receiving two compensatory picks. The Chiefs, who went 6-11 last season, are set to pick ninth in this year’s draft but now have a stronger position in 2026. The draft order for 2026 reflects the performance of teams across the league. The Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans all finished with 3-14 records, while the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks secured 14-3 marks. The Chiefs, with a 6-11 record, will have a 12-5 strength of schedule, placing them ahead of the Broncos, who have a 14-3 record but a weaker schedule. The draft will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23 to 25. The Chiefs’ acquisition of the 29th pick underscores their efforts to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2026 season. By securing higher draft positions, the team aims to address key areas of need while maintaining competitive depth in the league.#tom_pelissero #los_angeles_rams #nfl_network #kansas_city_chiefs #trent_mcduffie
Chiefs Trade All-Pro Cornerback Trent McDuffie to Rams for Draft Picks The Kansas City Chiefs have traded All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a package of draft picks, including the No. 29 selection in the 2026 NFL draft, according to sources. The deal was confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reported the trade was finalized after discussions between the teams. McDuffie, entering the final season of his rookie contract, is expected to sign a long-term extension with the Rams, further solidifying their defensive plans. McDuffie’s trade comes after the Chiefs exercised the fifth-year option in his contract earlier this year, making his 2026 salary of $13.6 million fully guaranteed. In addition to the No. 29 pick, the Chiefs will receive 2026 fifth- and sixth-round selections and a 2027 third-round pick. The trade marks a strategic move for both teams, with the Rams addressing a critical need at cornerback while the Chiefs aim to reinvest in their draft capital. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was among the team’s players to publicly react to the trade, posting a simple “damn” on social media after the news broke. Rams general manager Les Snead, when asked about offseason priorities, emphasized the importance of evaluating potential additions to the secondary, stating the team is “figuring out if there’s an All-Pro you could add.” McDuffie’s decision to join the Rams was anticipated, as he had previously hinted at his preference for playing closer to his family. During a back-to-school event in Kansas City in August, McDuffie joked about his potential future team, saying, “If I could play for another team, I’d probably want to play close to my family, so that would probably be the L.A. Rams.#los_angeles_rams #kansas_city_chiefs #adam_schefter #patrick_mahomes #trent_mcduffie
Chiefs Trade All-Pro Cornerback Trent McDuffie to Rams for Draft Picks The Kansas City Chiefs have completed a trade sending All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a package of draft picks, including the No. 29 selection in the 2026 NFL draft, according to sources. The deal was confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reported the trade was finalized after discussions between the teams. McDuffie, entering the final season of his rookie contract, is expected to sign a long-term extension with the Rams, further solidifying their defensive plans. McDuffie’s trade comes after the Chiefs exercised the fifth-year option in his contract earlier this year, making his 2026 salary of $13.6 million fully guaranteed. In addition to the No. 29 pick, the Chiefs will receive a 2026 fifth-round pick, a sixth-round pick, and a 2027 third-round selection. The move marks a strategic shift for the Chiefs, who have opted to trade a top cornerback rather than offer a lucrative long-term deal, a pattern seen in previous seasons. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was among the team’s players to react publicly, posting a simple “damn” on social media following the trade announcement. Meanwhile, Rams general manager Les Snead emphasized the team’s focus on strengthening the secondary during the offseason, stating that identifying an “All-Pro” addition was a priority. The Rams, who had four pending free agents at the cornerback position, viewed McDuffie as a critical upgrade to their defense. McDuffie’s decision to join the Rams was anticipated, as he had previously hinted at his interest in playing closer to his family. During a back-to-school event in Kansas City in August, McDuffie joked about his potential future team, saying, “You’re going to get me in trouble. Let’s think.#los_angeles_rams #kansas_city_chiefs #adam_schefter #patrick_mahomes #trent_mcduffie
Trent Mcduffie Pff and the 2025 Cornerback Inflection Point: Why Devon Witherspoon Now Sets the Bar PFF’s 2025 cornerback evaluations have positioned Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon as the premier perimeter cornerback in the NFL, with his performance across multiple defensive dimensions setting a new standard. His 90.1 PFF defense grade and 90.1 PFF run-defense grade, paired with a 92.9 PFF pass-rush grade and an 83.6 PFF coverage grade, highlight his versatility. This marks the first time a cornerback has achieved a 90.0-plus overall grade, reflecting his ability to excel in both pass-rush and run-defense roles while maintaining strong coverage. Witherspoon’s transition from a slot-heavy role in previous seasons to a perimeter-focused role in 2025 was critical to his success. PFF notes that his performance not only held up but peaked, with all four key metrics—defense, run defense, pass rush, and coverage—ranking among his best three NFL seasons. Among cornerbacks with at least 600 defensive snaps, he ranks first in defense and pass-rush grades, third in run defense, and second in coverage. This broad impact underscores his value beyond traditional coverage responsibilities. The analysis also explores how perimeter cornerbacks influence fantasy football strategies. PFF emphasizes that elite perimeter defenders can significantly alter outcomes by disrupting opposing offenses, whether through forcing incompletions, preventing receptions, or contributing to run stops. For example, Cincinnati’s Tre Turner is highlighted as a breakout performer, ranking among the league’s top incompletion forcers with a 73.3 PFF defense grade and 78.1 PFF coverage grade. His ability to disrupt third-down plays, particularly against top wide receivers, positions him as a key asset in fantasy lineups.#devon_witherspoon #tre_turner #trent_mcduffie #pff #patrick_surtain
Trent McDuffie PFF and the 2025 Cornerback Inflection Point: Why Devon Witherspoon Now Sets the Bar Pro Football Focus (PFF)’s 2025 cornerback evaluations have reshaped how fans and fantasy managers assess the position, with Seattle Seahawks’ Devon Witherspoon emerging as the NFL’s top all-around perimeter cornerback. PFF’s analysis highlights Witherspoon’s dominance across multiple defensive dimensions, positioning him as a standout in a league where perimeter cornerbacks increasingly influence game outcomes. His performance in 2025, marked by a 90.1 PFF defense grade and a 90.1 PFF run-defense grade, underscores his versatility as a defender who impacts both pass and run games. Witherspoon’s 92.9 PFF pass-rush grade and 83.6 PFF coverage grade further solidify his status as a multifaceted player. Transitioning from a slot-heavy role in previous seasons to a perimeter-focused role in 2025, his stats reflect a peak in performance. Among cornerbacks with at least 600 defensive snaps, Witherspoon ranks and/or ties for first in defense and pass-rush grades, third in run defense, and second in coverage. This combination of skills sets him apart as a player who can alter games through multiple phases of defense. The PFF analysis also emphasizes the growing importance of perimeter-cornerback matchups in fantasy football. Elite perimeter defenders like Witherspoon can significantly impact how teams approach weekly matchups by disrupting opposing offenses. For example, Cincinnati Bengals’ Tre Turner is profiled as a breakout player with a 73.3 PFF defense grade and 78.1 PFF coverage grade. Turner’s ability to force incompletions at a league-best rate, particularly on third down, positions him as a top-tier coverage defender. His 28.#seattle_seahawks #pro_football_focus #devon_witherspoon #trent_mcduffie #tre_turner
