NFL insider notes that the Kansas City Chiefs are going to make a run at retaining a key free agent after recent league news
The Chiefs will need Jaylen Watson now.
The Kansas City Chiefs are trading Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a first-round draft pick and multiple selections, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. NFL insider Jordan Schultz notes that Kansas City will also get a 2027 third-round pick, plus fifth- and sixth-rounders in 2026. This deal stands out: it echoes the Tyreek Hill trade to the Miami Dolphins and gives the Chiefs flexibility for further moves.
Now, they don’t have to worry about spending money on McDuffie, as he will likely demand a $30 million APY, which is well beyond the Chiefs’ budget. The budget they do have is for a guy like Jaylen Watson, who’s one of the Chiefs’ free agents they are trying to retain. On Thursday, an NFL insider revealed the Chiefs’ plan to go after Watson.
“The Chiefs are going to make a run at Jaylen Watson, who’s a complete cornerback and has shown he can do a little bit of everything. Maybe the Chiefs say we need to clear some space because this is a guy we have to pay,” Mike Garafolo said on NFL Network.
Chiefs can re-sign cornerback Jaylen Watson
Watson has proven himself to be a very good cornerback in this league, even though he is not on McDuffie’s level. He remains a good starting cornerback. Who knows—given more development, he could become something special. Already, Dave Merritt has developed the former seventh-round pick into a solid starter. On his second contract, they can continue that upward trajectory.
This decision also makes financial sense. Watson’s projected annual market value is $12 million, a bargain compared to the expected $30 million per year McDuffie will likely command from the Rams. By re-signing Watson, the Chiefs can maintain a serviceable and potentially strong cornerback room alongside Nohl Williams and Kristian Fulton, both of whom improved as the year went on.
Watson’s career-best season last year, which included an overall PFF grade of 74.1 and demonstrated yearly improvement, supports the Chiefs’ expectation that he can continue developing. Signing him to a new deal would help turn this expectation into reality.
Tennessee Titans News
Potential Titans Draft Trade Appears: Chiefs’ Trent McDuffie move opens up top-10 swap idea in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Chiefs and Rams just made the blockbuster trade of the offseason, giving the Chiefs a second 1st round pick. Could the Chiefs and Titans one-up that trade?
