The Los Angeles Rams are taking a big swing. Yesterday, LA traded the 29th pick, a sixth-round pick, a seventh-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick for two-time Super Bowl Champion Trent McDuffie. Some would argue that the Rams were one play away from making the big game and potentially winning it.
After coming up short in the NFC Championship game and Matthew Stafford returning for the 2026 season, they look to solve a glaring weakness. Does this trade make them favorites to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 61?
Rams Trade For McDuffie
This is one of the most “win now” moves the Rams have made since trading for Jalen Ramsey. From an organization that once said “F them picks,” they are addressing one of their biggest weaknesses from last season, their secondary. They are trading for one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL, Trent McDuffie. With the addition of the two-time Super Bowl champ, they are hopeful this move will solidify their secondary, as the Ramsey or Marcus Peters trade this organization made many moons ago did.
Is This A Good Trade?
I love this trade for the Rams. Their defense started out as one of the best in the NFL. In the team’s last seven games of their season, they allowed 27+ in five of them, and 31 in the NFC Championship Game. Their numbers aren’t bad for the entire season, ranking 10th in points allowed, 19th in passing yards allowed, 12th in rushing yards allowed, 8th in offensive touchdowns allowed, 7th in sacks, and 5th in takeaways per game. This is no knock to Emmanuel Forbers jr. and Cobie Durant, but they aren’t McDuffie.
Now, the only question for LA is how much they will pay him. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The two-time All-Pro is projected to sign a deal that will make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, more than $30.1 million dollars. That is a lot to pay for a slot cornerback. I think he is a solid outside corner, but his primary position is in the slot. McDuffie is also a great blitzing DB. I can see Chris Shula dialing up some exotic blitzes with one of the best blitzing corners in the league.
Rams Chances To Get Back To Super Bowl Post Trade
When Matthew Stafford announced at the NFL Honors that he was returning next season, we assumed they would make a “win now” move. They had the best offense in the NFL last season and have a plethora of offensive talent. Will they explode for 30 points per game again? Probably not, but I can see this team in the top five.
What are their chances? I think this move puts them in the driver’s seat in the NFC. I believed they were the best team in the conference last season, despite losing to the Seahawks in the playoffs. There is no reason this team won’t win 12-13 games again next season, aside from Stafford’s health/age. Maybe I am convinced by their offense in an offensive league, and the McDuffie trade fixed their one glaring roster hole.
Final Thoughts
With the NFL offseason beginning to pick up, it’s that time of the year again. Players cut and traded, the Draft is right around the corner. So much movement in a league that is full of transactions. What did you make of the McDuffie trade? Do you think this propels the Rams above the rest of the NFC?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts on the Los Angeles Rams’ chances to get back to the Super Bowl after trading for Trent McDuffie! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
