Trending Now - Watson and Mcduffie Reunite as Rams Cornerbacks

WHO:

Jaylen Watson, Rams cornerback

Trent McDuffie, two-time All-Pro cornerback, former Kansas City Chiefs player

Sean McVay, Rams head coach

Jimmy Lake, Rams defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator

Puka Nacua, Rams wide receiver

Quentin Lake, Rams safety

Kansas City Chiefs organization

WHAT:

The Rams signed Jaylen Watson to a three-year deal.

The Rams traded for Trent McDuffie and signed him to a four-year, $124 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired four draft picks from the Rams in exchange for McDuffie, including a first-round pick (No. 29 overall), a fifth-round pick, a sixth-round pick, and a third-round pick in 2027.

Watson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for a contending team alongside McDuffie, stating, "It's a full-circle moment."

McDuffie stated, "I feel like I've genuinely understood what it takes to be an NFL football player."

Watson mentioned, "Physicality is my strength. That's why I think me and Trent complement each other so well."

WHERE:

Woodland Hills, California

SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, California

Kansas City, Missouri

WHEN:

The trade for McDuffie was made official on March 11th, 2026.

Watson signed his contract on March 12th, 2026.

McDuffie and Watson were part of the same draft class in 2022.

WHY:

The Rams aimed to strengthen their cornerback position, which was a weakness in 2025.

Watson wanted to join the Rams because they are Super Bowl contenders and have a strong culture.

HOW:

The Rams acquired McDuffie through a trade with the Chiefs.

Watson and McDuffie communicated prior to Watson's signing, with McDuffie encouraging Watson to keep an open mind about joining the Rams.

(UPDATED March 13, 2026 01:23 UTC)

In a significant move to bolster their cornerback position, the Rams signed Jaylen Watson to a three-year deal and traded for Trent McDuffie, who received a four-year contract extension worth $124 million, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. The trade, which was finalized on March 11, saw the Kansas City Chiefs acquire four draft picks from the Rams, including a first-round pick, while Watson expressed excitement about joining a contending team alongside McDuffie, calling it a "full-circle moment." Both players, who were part of the same draft class in 2022, communicated prior to Watson's signing, with McDuffie encouraging him to consider the Rams' strong culture and Super Bowl aspirations.