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The Washington Commanders are eyeing upgrades in their cornerback group, and a trade for Kansas City Chiefs corner Trent McDuffie is gaining traction as a realistic option. The move would address glaring weaknesses and fit both teams’ needs as they navigate cap questions and roster turnover.
How Washington’s pass defense collapsed after a deep run
The Commanders’ 2025 season was a steep fall from their 2024 NFC Championship run. Pass defense emerged as a critical problem.
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- Washington finished among the league leaders in passing yards allowed per game.
- The secondary looks thin and aging in spots.
- Several starting corners are set to move on or are uncertain roster bets.
That combination puts immediate pressure on defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to find playmakers who can stop receivers in man and zone coverage.
Cornerback openings that force Washington’s hand
The Commanders face several decisions in the cornerback room this offseason.
- Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene are pending free agents.
- Marson Lattimore appears headed for release.
- Washington needs younger, reliable perimeter coverage.
These roster moves suggest the team could pursue a veteran starter rather than rely solely on the draft.
Why Trent McDuffie checks many boxes for the Commanders
McDuffie brings traits Washington lacks. He is versatile, experienced, and still young.
- Age: 25 years old, entering his prime.
- Contract status: In the final year of his $13 million rookie deal.
- Versatility: Can play inside or outside on the boundary.
- Playoff pedigree: Has appeared in postseason games and owns two Super Bowl rings.
FanSided writer Christopher Kline projects the Commanders as a natural landing spot if Kansas City decides to move McDuffie. He argues McDuffie could become a long-term starter in Washington under Quinn’s scheme.
Why the Chiefs might trade McDuffie
Kansas City enters a transition phase after a disappointing 2025. Missing the playoffs added pressure to reshape the roster.
- The Chiefs have a dire cap outlook. They are projected to be $62.5 million over the cap in 2026.
- Kansas City has traded high-profile corners before, including Marcus Peters and L’Jarius Sneed.
- If the organization declines to commit to an expensive extension, moving a valuable asset makes sense.
That mix of financial strain and roster expectations makes McDuffie a potential trade candidate.
Trade cost, fit, and risks for Washington
Acquiring McDuffie may not require a blockbuster haul. Teams often trade expiring-contract players for mid-round compensation.
- Why the price might be reasonable:
- He is on a one-year deal with a rookie-scale salary.
- Chiefs may prefer draft capital to a contract extension they cannot comfortably fund.
- Why Washington might extend him:
- The Commanders project to have healthier cap flexibility over the next few years.
- McDuffie could become a cornerstone at cornerback in a relatively small investment.
- Potential risks:
- Acquiring a player on a one-year deal always carries the chance he walks in free agency.
- Matching scheme fit and maintaining continuity with younger corners would be essential.
Other NFL headlines to track this offseason
- Lions’ safety Alex Anzalone linked to rumors that may shape Detroit’s long-term plans.
- A Jets free-agent tip could impact the Commanders, Chiefs, and Vikings’ cap decisions.
- Reports tie Davis Webb to interest from the Raiders as they explore coaching and lending staff upgrades.
- Speculation mounts about likely front-runners for Raiders and Cardinals head coach searches.
- Coaching candidates for the Raiders reportedly weigh concerns about facing Tom Brady in potential matchups.
