Teams around the NFL are making tweaks to their respective rosters in an attempt to make a Super Bowl push in 2026. The Lions started that by trading David Montgomery, opening the door to other free agent options.
But they watched as the Los Angeles Rams got better. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Rams are acquiring cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs for four total draft picks. Those selections are a 2026 first, fifth, and sixth-round pick, in addition to a 2027 third-round pick.
That's a move that drastically improves this Rams team, which has to annoy an organization like the Lions, seeking to jump back into the Super Bowl conversation.
Lions Can’t Be Thrilled After Seeing Rams' Blockbuster Trade
The Rams were searching for help in the secondary, and they got that in this deal. McDuffie is a two-time All-Pro and was the Chiefs' No. 1 corner. He has been able to lock down opposing No. 1 WRs and owns the versatility to play both inside and out.
Last season, Los Angeles ranked 19th in pass defense (216.7 passing yards per game), but there was room for growth. Despite those mishaps in the cornerback room, the Rams competed in the NFC Championship Game and were one game away from the Super Bowl.
This move highlights them going all-in and attempting to win another title with the duo of former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay. While Father Time is a concern for Stafford, the allure of life away from the sidelines has already begun calling McVay's name.
That's not ideal to say the least. Adding McDuffie certainly improves those chances, and the sportsbooks tend to agree. FanDuel has the Rams as the Super Bowl LXI favorites at +700. Meanwhile, the Lions are tied for the sixth-best odds at +1600.
Detroit has its own areas to improve. The Lions will use both the draft and free agency to do so. Nonetheless, it can't be great to see a foe in the NFC add an All-Pro talent to their team.
There's a good chance the Lions will have to go through the Rams to reach the Super Bowl next season, so keeping tabs on their moves this offseason should catch fans' attention.
Thankfully for the people in the Motor City, they have a loaded offense that features Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta catching passes. And that's not mentioning their home run threat in the backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs.
The Lions have their fair share of stars, but it's no secret that one of their primary rivals in the NFC just improved with this trade. And that isn't what fans want to see.