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It didn’t take long for news of the blockbuster trade to reach Patrick Mahomes’ ears.

The Chiefs star quarterback had little to say — one word to be exact — when finding out that teammate Trent McDuffie was being traded to the Rams for four picks, including the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

A potential deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, would include the Rams sending one of their first-round picks (No. 29 overall) and additional compensation, including a fifth-, a sixth- and a 2027 third-rounder, in exchange for the two-time Super Bowl champion.

Rapoport added the impending swap “should” result in a new long-term contract for the 25-year-old.


  Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) AP Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) AP

A trade to LA would reunite McDuffie with Jimmy Lake, the Rams’ defensive backs coach who helped McDuffie become a star in college at Washington.

McDuffie was drafted No. 21 overall in 2022 by the Chiefs, helping lead a defense that partnered with Mahomes’ elite offense to win back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.


  Trent McDuffie was traded to the Rams. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Trent McDuffie was traded to the Rams. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Mahomes had surgery in December to repair ligaments in his left knee after tearing his ACL and LCL during their Week 15 playoff-eliminating loss to the Chargers.

“I want to be ready for Week 1. The doctors said I could,” Mahomes said in January. “But I can’t predict what happens throughout the process. That’s the goal, to play Week 1 and have no restrictions. You want to be out there healthy and give us the best chance to win. I hope to do some things in OTAs and training camp and be able to do things there.”


  Patrick Mahomes watches on during Chiefs-Broncos game. Getty Images Patrick Mahomes watches on during Chiefs-Broncos game. Getty Images

While the loss of McDuffie clearly stings for Mahomes, having an extra first-round pick this season — and possibly another weapon on offense — would help ease the pain. The Chiefs are coming off their worst season since they went 2-14 in 2012 and missed the postseason for the first time since 2014.

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