The San Francisco 49ers were already bracing for another demanding NFC West race after sharing the division with two playoff teams from this past season — including the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. With the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams both projected to contend again in 2026, the 49ers entered the offseason knowing upgrades would be necessary to keep pace.

Now, the Rams may have widened the gap further against the 49ers.


According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs are finalizing a blockbuster trade that will send All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles. In return, Kansas City will reportedly receive the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a fifth-round selection this year, and a 2027 third-round pick.

The Rams also still hold the No. 13 overall selection, acquired last year from the Atlanta Falcons, giving them additional resources to continue strengthening their roster.


For a team that finished second in the NFC West and ahead of the 49ers, the addition of McDuffie represents a major defensive upgrade.

Kansas City selected McDuffie with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he quickly developed into one of the league's premier cornerbacks. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2023 and followed that with second-team recognition in 2024.


McDuffie has earned at least a 74.9 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus in each of his four NFL seasons. In 2025, he recorded 63 tackles (two for loss), one quarterback hit, one interception, seven passes defended, one sack, and one forced fumble.


For the 49ers, the NFC West path just became even more challenging. With the Seahawks defending their title and the Rams continuing to add talent to an already competitive roster, San Francisco will need to make moves this offseason to avoid falling too far behind in the division.

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