In an early offseason move, the Kansas City Chiefs shocked the football world when they traded away former All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. After all, how could a Chiefs team, ostensibly in the middle of a Super Bowl window, trade away a 26-year-old cornerback entering his prime like McDuffie? Couldn't they have used him during monster matchups like their home date with the Denver Broncos on Monday night?
At face value, the move is honestly still kind of baffling from a Kansas City perspective, considering that older Chiefs veterans like Travis Kelce and Chris Jones aren't getting any younger. But as you watch the Chiefs' defense try to adjust without McDuffie, know that they did have a good reason for dealing one of their better young players.
As explained by ESPN's Nate Taylor, the Chiefs entered the 2026 offseason knowing they wanted a big draft haul so they could try to open a new Super Bowl window while their current core begins to age out of the NFL. After reviewing their best options, they eventually came to the conclusion that trading away McDuffie, a player they weren't too keen on giving a lucrative contract extension to, was their optimal path toward that goal.
I would say acquiring a first-round draft pick in 2026 (which became defensive tackle Peter Woods) and a host of other solid draft ****** ets for McDuffie was a pretty good deal for the team, with all things considered.
More from ESPN:

#away #super

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has dealt with a lot of trade rumors and highest-paid cornerback speculation over the past few months, but the real issue in contract talks is becoming more clear by the day.
According to PennLive's Nick Farabaugh, as well as Porter's own admission that he doesn't care about becoming the highest-paid corner, the contract negotiations are all about guaranteed money.
"Repeat after me -- It's not the AAV, it's the guarantees! (and always has been)," Farabaugh wrote via X.
So far this year, we've seen cornerbacks like Christian Gonzalez, Devon Witherspoon, and Trent McDuffie completely reset the cornerback market with deals surpassing $30 million per year. Their guaranteed money has been around 75% to 80% of their total contract value.
Previously, we at Steelers Wire predicted that Porter could sign a four-year, $128 million extension that pays him an average of $32 million per season with $101 million in guaranteed money. But it's evident the holdup is more related to the latter.

#million #cornerback #contract #porter

The hype continued to ratchet through the offseason.
The Los Angeles Rams corralled former Kansas City Chiefs cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to stem opponents' passing games, then traded edge rusher Jared Verse and a first-, second-, third-round pick each to acquire Myles Garrett.
Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, would team up with quarterback Matthew Stafford, the reigning MVP.
This, for a team that lost the NFC championship last season by just four points.
So yes, the Rams held the best odds to win the Super Bowl, at +500, per DraftKings. Next in the NFC West came the reigning Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks, their 11-1 odds fourth in the league.

#garrett #super #bowl #team

The Los Angeles Rams won the offseason — Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, oh my! — but they lost their first game of the 2026 NFL regular season.
Bill Plaschke's undefeated season prediction went up in smoke when the San Francisco 49ers blew out the Rams, 27-7, in the NFL's first-ever game in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday night.
Don't let the final score deceive you. It was uglier than that. Matthew Stafford, the reigning NFL MVP, threw helium **** , and Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, was quite literally invisible. The Rams as a whole looked lifeless and, well, jet-lagged.
The 49ers traveled to Melbourne last week, while the Rams decided to wait until Tuesday and landed merely 28 hours before kickoff.
Peter Schrager discussed the differing strategies on his premiere Big Day episode on ESPN:

#garrett #melbourne #game #reigning

MELBOURNE, Australia - The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams in convincing fashion in their season-opener Friday afternoon (Thursday night in the United States), 27-7, at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
After arriving in Australia a week before kickoff, the 49ers looked far more energized than the Super Bowl-favorite Rams, who touched down just more than 24 hours before the game and appeared visibly exhausted. Last year's NFL MVP, Matthew Stafford, looked helpless against a disruptive 49ers defense, while Brock Purdy diced up the opposition that was littered with big-time offseason acquisitions.
Here are immediate takeaways from the 49ers' commanding first win, in front of an announced crowd of 100,021.
Against a Rams defense that added defensive end Myles Garrett and cornerback Trent McDuffie, the 49ers had little trouble. They converted seven of 12 third downs and totaled 379 yards of offense. The ground game in particular was impressive, where San Francisco averaged 5.9 yards per attempt.
Rookie running back Kaelon Black added some zip to San Francisco's offense - and, as an added bonus, took much of the load off of 30-year-old Christian McCaffrey - rushing for 65 yards on 14 attempts. McCaffrey still featured in the offense, touching the ball 15 times, but his services weren't as needed once San Francisco went up 17 points in the third quarter.

#mccaffrey

The San Francisco 49ers defense was on the field first, and it didn't take long for Fred Warner and Nick Bosa to make an impact.
Bosa hit Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford on his first dropback. He followed that up with a tackle for loss on the ensuing drive. Warner broke up the intended pass to Puka Nacua.
After Deommodore Lenoir made a tackle, the Rams went three-and-out.
Brock Purdy used his shiny new toy on his first third down of the game. Evans beat Quentin Lake for a seven-yard reception to move the sticks. It came after an inexplicable drop.
Purdy played with fire on the first drive, after a Drake Maye impersonation. Purdy threw off his back foot, and the throw was nearly intercepted just shy of the end zone. Thankfully, Trent McDuffie landed out of bounds.

#warner #francisco

The Los Angeles Rams have historically been OK with a lack of size at the cornerback position. Their last few draft picks—although rare—have demonstrated this from Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick to the likes of Tre Tomlinson.
But the Rams did something very out of character this offseason: they made a major free agent signing and brought in a player with real size attributes. Jaylen Watson is listed at 6-2 and 197 lbs.
The addition of Watson got lost in the shuffle during the aftermath of LA's trade for higher profile corner Trent McDuffie, his Kansas City teammate. McDuffie also fits the Rams' preference or accommodation of smaller defenders, although he has a strong lower half and is a willing tackler out of the slot.
However, in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, Watson may be the more important contributor out of the two.
The San Francisco 49ers' biggest offseason addition was receiver Mike Evans. It wouldn't be wise for the Rams to ask McDuffie to cover one of the most physical receivers in the NFL—this is a job for Watson.

#mcduffie #francisco #addition #angeles

After setting their 53-man roster on Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams voted on 11 team captains for the 2026 season. Three of them are newcomers to the team, which shows what an impact they've already made in the locker room and on the practice field. Those newcomers are Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie and Joe Cardona.
Matthew Stafford is a captain for the sixth straight year, while Davante Adams is a captain for the first time in his Rams career. Kyren Williams is back as a captain, while Tyler Higbee was also voted one by his teammates. Coleman Shelton is a first-time captain on offense, as well.
On defense, Kobe Turner, Nate Landman and Quentin Lake are repeat captains, with Garrett and McDuffie joining the mix. Cardona replaces Ethan Evans as a captain on special teams.
QB Matthew Stafford
RB Kyren Williams

#Rams #cardona

Rams' low TE ranking from ESPN ***** yst doesn't make any sense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Rams have the NFL's best roster, considering their all-in plan this offseason added Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Ty Simpson, and others to an already strong roster.
While they have some very exciting position groups, especially on the offensive side of the ball at running back and wide receiver, the tight end room is one fans can be excited about. It's a very deep group with some potentially high-impact players.
However, ESPN's Mike Clay named the Rams' TE room as the 30th-ranked in the NFL, ahead of only two teams. It's a surprisingly low ranking, and one that, quite frankly, doesn't make much sense.
Clay ranked the Rams at No. 30 in his TE ranking, and also called them a "Unit to watch" this upcoming season.

#Rams #room #ranked

The Los Angeles Rams are practicing with the New Orleans Saints today in Woodland Hills, which will be the team's second and final joint practice before the season. After a successful practice with the Cowboys last week, the Rams are looking to get in another good day of work against an opponent today.
Though some players will be out due to injury, there are still plenty of intriguing matchups to keep an eye on. Here are four of the best.
The Saints won't have Jordyn Tyson for this practice, so all the attention will be on Olave. McDuffie is the best matchup for him thanks to his speed and quickness, but Jaylen Watson will likely get chances to cover the terrific receiver down the field, too.
After a tough matchup with the Cowboys' receivers last week, the Rams' top cornerback will be tested again by Olave on Thursday.
With Puka Nacua's participation in question, Adams will likely be the Rams' top receiver on Thursday, drawing McKinstry in coverage. It's a matchup that favors Adams but McKinstry is a sneaky good corner.

#matchup #thursday

The NFL preseason has begun and every team has played at least one game. We have some idea as to what teams will look like competitively in 2026.
NFL.com's Nick Shook has new preseason power rankings. We have to figure that the Arizona Cardinals are fairly low on the list, but let's see what the NFC West as a whole looks like, compared to the entire league.
You've heard the sound bites, read the headlines and drowned in the tidal wave of optimism. The Rams are Lombardi Trophy favorites, seemingly destined for a march to a Super Bowl that will be played in their home stadium, the same location in which they won their last ******* le. It's never that easy, of course, but GM Les Snead has built a monster in Los Angeles. With Myles Garrett trading brown and orange for royal blue and sol, Aaron Donald nearing a potential return from retirement to hop back onto the bandwagon he once captained, and Matthew Stafford coming off an MVP-winning season, this is a year the Rams go for it all. It will be up to them to make it through to the other side of a season-long gauntlet in their attempt to claim the throne.
This is no surprise. With the return of Matthew Stafford, an offense that was fantastic, and with the defensive additions of Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, the Rams are the team to beat in 2026.
The reigning champs lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency, don't yet have his former running mate, Zach Charbonnet, available as he continues on his journey back from a torn ACL, and are placing a lot of backfield responsibility on the likes of rookie Jadarian Price and backup George Holani. Star defender Nick Emmanwori remains on the physically unable to perform list, too, although there's hope Mike Macdonald's ultimate chess piece can return in time for Week 1. Otherwise, everything is great for the Seahawks. Continuity will reign early in 2026, thanks in large part to the return of a familiar starting offensive lineup. The suffocating defense lost some pieces to free agency in the offseason, requiring reinforcement that could be tested, but there's little reason to think the 'Hawks will be anywhere but right back in the thick of the NFC race.

#matthew

Where do the Houston Texans rank among contenders going into the 2026 NFL season?
According to Pro Football Talk, they're the team to beat.
Mike Florio released his preseason power rankings entering Week 2 of games starting on Thursday. Naturally, in the No. 1 spot, the longtime ***** yst put the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, mainly because of the return of the quarterback, coach and star defensive player.
At the No. 2 spot, Florio the Los Angeles Rams, a team going all-in on 2026 with the return of MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford and the arrival of two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Many would ***** ume that the Rams should be No. 1 after also signing Jaylen Watson and trading for Trent McDuffie in free agency.
At No. 3, Florio has the Texans, making them the top team in the AFC and a legit Super Bowl contender for the future. Defensively, Florio is buying into Houston as a Super Bowl contender.

#houston #texans #Rams #player

The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams are set to face off in a highly anticipated preseason exhibition at Arrowhead Stadium this afternoon.
Both teams attempted to reinvent themselves during the 2026 offseason, and even agreed to a trade that saw veteran defensive back Trent McDuffie join the Rams after an impressive four-year tenure with the Chiefs.
Star quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Matthew Stafford aren't expected to take the field for more than a handful of snaps in today's game, but second and third-string hopefuls are sure to give the crowd something to cheer for.
Stay tuned to this live blog for real-time updates on Kansas City's preseason matchup against Los Angeles:
TV channel: KSHB 41Start time: 3:00 p.m. CTAnnouncers: Ari Wolfe (play-by-play), Trent Green (analyst)Sideline reporter: Kimmi Chex, Matt McMullen

#kansas #preseason #play #arrowhead

As the Pittsburgh Steelers go another day without coming to terms on an extension with cornerback Joey Porter Jr, other teams around the NFL continue to get their guys paid. On Saturday, it was the Seattle Seahawks and Devon Witherspoon that got a deal done.
Per Adam Schefter, the Seahawks and the three-time Pro Bowler came to terms on a four-year, $132 million deal with $101 million guaranteed.
This comes after the Cleveland Browns and Denzel Ward agreed to an extension worth $31.1 million per year, as well as the Los Angeles Rams coming to terms on a deal with Trent McDuffie on a deal that will pay him $31 million per year.
In terms of what the Witherspoon deal means for the Steelers, Nick Farabaugh of PennLive estimates that a deal for Porter will now be in the neighborhood of four years, $120 million with $90 million in guaranteed money. Porter has yet to take the field in training camp or preseason, as he is on the PUP list with a back injury.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

#deal #million #terms #seahawks

Devon Witherspoon just gave the Philadelphia Eagles another number to consider when they eventually begin working on long-term contracts for Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
According to ESPN, Witherspoon and the Seattle Seahawks have agreed to a four-year, $132 million extension that includes more than $101 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. The reported agreement represents another significant jump for a position that has become increasingly valuable in the modern NFL.
In borrowing from a recent Denver Post article, the Eagles have their own 'Champagne Problems' at the cornerback position. A phrase used to describe trivial, first-world, or "high-class" grievances, the Eagles have amassed the best cornerback trio in the NFL, and if they all play well, they'll seek elite compensation. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean do not need new contracts yet, but they have every reason to pay attention to the cornerback market.
That market is moving quickly, and New England Patriots standout Christian Gonzalez will likely surpass Witherspoon.
The top of the market had already changed after Trent McDuffie landed a four-year, $124 million extension from the Los Angeles Rams after being acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs. This deal made him the NFL's highest-paid cornerback at $31 million per season. Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. are also at or near $30 million annually, creating a new financial tier for elite young defensive backs.

#contracts

Following training camp, the Los Angeles Rams are set to take a major step in their preparations for the season, holding two joint practices and three preseason games. These will mark the first time the Rams go up against another team, providing a better evaluation of the roster.
As the team transitions to their physically demanding preseason schedule, here are five lessons we learned from training camp.
Myles Garrett was dominant throughout camp, while Trent McDuffie displayed the versatility and playmaking ability that make him one of the NFL's best. Jaylen Watson could cover every possible pass catcher the Rams put on the field. The defense dominated the latter portions of camp and the trio is a big reason why.
However, the greater impact is how they have elevated the pieces already on the field. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Kam Kinchens looked vastly improved. One would have to point to their teammates as a big factor in why.
Sean McVay virtually confirmed Bennett's role as a backup, with Ty Simpson set to play in preseason, while Bennett's participation remains in doubt. When Jimmy Garoppolo was the Rams' backup, he didn't play in preseason, alluding to Bennett likely being Matthew Stafford's backup in 2026.

#angeles

Los Angeles Rams training camp at Loyola Marymount University came to a close on Friday. The team now returns to their practice facilities at Woodland Hills.
A change of scene could bring the addition of Aaron Donald, who is expected to make an announcement in the coming weeks whether he will return to football. The Dallas Cowboys are also set to face LA in a joint practice session on Tuesday.
But before we turn our attention to the preseason, which players showed out at Loyola Marymount? Roster battles are won or lost in camp. Let's check in on those with rising and falling stocks.
Nothing steals the show quite like two strengths going head-to-head. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams battled every day against Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. They each had their own victories on certain days, but the Rams won from the competitive bar being raised.
Nacua and Adams seem to be picking up where they left off in 2025. A clean bill of health is of the upmost importance for each.

#university

Trent McDuffie bolstering the Los Angeles Rams secondary is one of the biggest positional upgrades for any team this NFL offseason. And the two-time All-Pro has taken to his new team quite quickly.
"It feels like home," McDuffie said this week in an interview with the Rams' social media team. "When I put that Rams helmet on, it was like a feeling that I should be here, a feeling of almost community. The fans, I've known them forever, I grew up here … they've welcomed me into this team and this culture with open arms."
It's hard to ask for more from a blockbuster acquisition than what McDuffie has already given this Rams franchise. Obviously, he's a stud of a player, whether that means he's playing in the slot or on the boundary. But the fact that he wants to be a part of this organization and has already embraced it is a welcome addition, too.
Even with an interview segment that's gone viral this week about being made about his trade away from the Kansas City Chiefs in the moment, McDuffie had previously admitted a desire to play for the Rams one day. Sometimes things work out exactly how they're supposed to.
And if you're one who likes to buy in on vibes, McDuffie's aforementioned interview is only going to further sell you on this group.

#mcduffie #like #already #trent

The Arizona Cardinals will play 14 different teams in the 2026 regular season. They will face the Los Angeles Rams twice, once in Week 6 and then again in Week 10. The Rams are considered the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season with MVP Matthew Stafford returning and with the additions on defense of cornerback Trent McDuffie and pass rusher Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
In a new episode of the podcast and part of the opponent preview series, I was joined by Rams Wire lead writer Cam DaSilva to preview the Rams in 2026.
We talked about their 2025 season, the moves in the offseason, including Mike LaFleur to be the Cardinals' head coach and other moves in free agency and the draft, and we go over the expectations for the Rams for this coming season.
(1:00) The Rams' 2025 season
(6:20) Offseason trades, free agency and the draft

#preview

If Davante Adams' time with the Los Angeles Rams needed to be summed up in a few words, the phrase "ultimate teammate" would illustrate what the NFL's leader in touchdown catches means to the franchise. Along with his league-leading production, Adams goes above and beyond to help his teammates become their best selves.
His impact is typically felt in the wide receiver room but as many like to say, "iron sharpens iron" and perhaps there is no one better equipped to sharpen Adams' Hall of Fame skillset than two-time All-Pro Trent McDuffie. McDuffie, a two-time Super Bowl champ, looks to be the defensive piece that gets Adams to a Super Bowl.
Recently, Adams has claimed that McDuffie is one of the best corners in football, praising him for dictating play with consistent dominance.
"I can honestly say I don't know if I'll get a better look than what I get from Trent out there," Adams said this week. "I don't like putting big expectations, bulletin board material or any of that but at the end of the day, I can't remember the last time I felt about another corner the way I feel about him. I say that because certain guys make plays because they fall into them. They have a certain feel for the ball, but Trent's out there doing something every single play. I don't know if you understand what I'm saying when I say that, but some guys, things happen and you end up with the ball in your hand on defense and that's how it happens."
Adams, who loves to play golf in the offseason, used an ******* ogy comparing himself to two-time major champion Collin Morikawa to explain how McDuffie makes plays instead of lucking into them.

#mcduffie #trent #super #best

Where to watch Rams preseason games 2026: Full schedule, times, TV channels, live streams for Los Angeles originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On paper, the Los Angeles Rams might have the best team in the NFL.
Spearheaded by reigning MVP Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay, the Rams enter the 2026 season with the same offense that led the NFL in scoring a year ago. Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum are all back.
Defensively, the Rams look almost unbeatable. Los Angeles traded for two-time Defensive Player of the Year edge rusher Myles Garrett and star cornerback Trent McDuffie this offseason. The team also picked up McDuffie's ex-Chiefs teammate, cornerback Jaylen Watson, in free agency.
While not all of these stars will see extended time in the preseason, these games could be a sign of things to come for the Rams in 2026.

#Rams #time #full

LOS ANGELES–– There's much to marvel at in the sky even when clouds are absent. Birds suspended in flight. Planes traversing the blue expanse. The sun walking across the face of the firmament.
Nothing is there to obstruct your vision.
Even with the Rams in shirts and t-shirts on Day 7 of Training Camp, an exhale disguised as effort—the day more relaxed, the tempo dialed down—there was much to observe when it appears otherwise. How ***** erflies lined up in the backfield and onside, indifferent to the millionaires in its midst.
And yet the things that matter most in July rarely happen at full speed.
How Trent McDuffie used every rep to dial in and hone his craft. How Sean McVay and Chris Shula taught seasoned vets an install as they walked through.

#much #planes

The Green Bay Packers entered a new era in 2023 when they transitioned from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love at quarterback, spending the next few years getting younger and looking to establish a new core for a championship run.
Now, the next chapter has arrived, as spearheaded by general manager Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay has committed to a whole host of players who will carry the team's Super Bowl hopes for the foreseeable future.
This offseason has been the flash point for the majority of these decisions, as the Packers signed Sean Rhyan, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Isaiah McDuffie and Devonte Wyatt to extensions, signed Javon Hargrave and Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, and traded for Zaire Franklin.
Assuming Tucker Kraft's extension gets done sooner rather than later, Green Bay will have pledged a lot of cap ***** e to a large group of players.
In fact, once Kraft gets a new deal, they will have 19 non-special teams players who are on at least their second contract and carry a cap hit of $2.5 million or more.

#green

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez stands alone at his position Madden NFL 27.
EA Sports revealed on Thursday that Gonzalez is the top rated cornerback in Madden 27 with a 98 overall rating.
Gonzalez was rated above Denver Broncos former AP Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain (97), Los Angeles Rams CB Trent McDuffie (94), Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward (93) and Houston Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. (92).
The 24-year-old Gonzalez had a great year in 2025. He recorded 10 passes defensed on the year and furthered his status as one of the best cover corners in the NFL with many big plays, most notably in the playoffs for New England.
While Gonzalez was not named an All-Pro last season over the likes of Surtain, Stingley Jr., Devon Witherspoon or Quinyon Mitchell, the latter two of whom he also received a higher rating than, the Patriots star wowed with his ability to lock down opposing wide receivers in the biggest of moments, which was a distinguishing factor for the season that he had in 2025.

#england #Patriots #rating

On paper, the Los Angeles Rams appear to be the best team in football. Their roster is loaded with superstars, from Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua to Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie.
In the video game world, they're also No. 1.
EA Sports released full team ratings for all 32 squads in "Madden NFL 27" on Friday and the Rams are the highest-rated team in the game. It's not that close, either. They're a 91 overall, the only team with a rating higher than 88.
The Philadelphia Eagles are second (88), followed by the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens at 87 overall. Shockingly, the Seahawks aren't even the second-best team in the NFC West, according to Madden 27's ratings.
They come in at No. 10 with an 84 overall rating, slightly lower than the 49ers, who are an 85 overall. The NFC West makes up three of the top 10 teams in the game, showing just how strong the division is once again in 2026.

#team #west #best

The Denver Broncos ended the Kansas City Chiefs' nine-year reign atop the AFC West in 2025. Can Sean Payton and the Broncos repeat?
Quarterback Bo Nix is coming off ankle surgery but he's optimistic his surgically repaired ankle won't hinder him this year. Helping matters is Denver's splash trade for speedy wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
The Chiefs endured a nightmare season, but three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes is confident he'll be ready to roll in Week 1 following a season-ending knee injury in 2025. The Chiefs signed Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III but also lost starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this offseason.
The Chargers earned playoff berths in each of the past two seasons. Los Angeles hired the innovative Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator to spark its offense.
In Las Vegas, the Raiders made plenty of changes, headlined by 2026 No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza and head coach Klint Kubiak. But they still face an uphill battle in arguably the best division in football.

#chiefs #Broncos #year #season

Moving into the future sometimes means holding onto a piece of the past.
And in the Rams' case, honoring two significant periods of their Los Angeles history.
That was the motivation behind the designs of the two new alternate uniforms they unveiled Thursday night in LA, both of which pay homage to their storied Los Angeles past.
Their "Classic Sol" and "Fearsome White" sets, which were revealed Thursday to season ticket holders at YouTube Theater, are a tip of the hat to two distinct eras in franchise history.
Matthew Stafford, Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie were among the Rams players present at the reveal and addressed the crowd.

#thursday #youtube

Mike Evans gives the San Francisco 49ers a legitimate No. 1 receiver for the first time in years, but Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr believes the move addresses two problems that go beyond the receiver room.
The first is Christian McCaffrey's rushing efficiency. San Francisco finished 30th in yards per carry last season — the first time a Kyle Shanahan-called offense has finished outside the top 10 in that stat since 2021. Orr connects that decline directly to how defenses have treated McCaffrey, who saw nearly 30% of his carries against eight-man boxes last year, one of the highest rates in the league.
Evans, Orr argues, should change that math. The 30-year-old drew double coverage on 35% of his routes last season, sixth-most among receivers league-wide. That kind of attention typically pulls a safety out of the box — and Orr believes teams have instead been shifting that extra defender toward stopping McCaffrey.
The idea is straightforward: if Evans forces a safety into coverage, the box in front of McCaffrey gets lighter, and the 49ers' rushing attack — long a staple of Shanahan's offense — gets back to functioning the way it has for most of his tenure.
The second point Orr raises is about time. The 49ers have the second-oldest roster in the NFL with the inclusion of Evans, so Orr suggested the signing means the 49ers think their championship window is closing at the same rate as the Los Angeles Rams', who went all-in this offseason with trades for Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie.

#evans #mccaffrey #rushing

The Los Angeles Rams have one of the best front offices in the NFL, and as a result, they have been one of the best drafting teams in the league since general manager Les Snead took control in 2012.
Exemplifying their success is their status in CBS Sports' rankings of the best first-round picks since 2020. Despite only having one first-round pick from 2020 to 2025, their selection of Jared Verse was ranked 11th. Verse, a 2024 selection, won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was the 19th selection in his class and the third-highest member (Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels) of his class in the rankings.
"The Rams' ******* ysis is easily the funniest of any in the NFL," wrote CBS Sports' Mike Renner. "They had only one first-round pick from 2020-25, and it was one of the best picks over that span, with Jared Verse checking in at No. 11 out of 191. In an ironic twist of fate, he's no longer on the Rams after the Myles Garrett trade this offseason. The Rams' attitude toward the draft is truly one of one."
While convention might state that the Rams should keep and use their first-round picks if they have such success, every first-round pick flipped since 2019 has been for a star player, including Jalen Ramsey, Matthew Stafford and Trent McDuffie.
Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who the Commanders drafted, was ranked 184th. Forbes had a redemptive 2025 after a struggling start to his career in Washington.

#since

Before players report for training camp on Saturday, the Los Angeles Rams are treating season ticket members to a special event at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night. It’s a “Rams Revealed Live” show at the YouTube Theater within SoFi, where Matthew Stafford, Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie will all be in attendance, as will team executives.
At this event, the Rams will reveal not one new uniform, but two. They’ll unveil the two alternate uniforms they’ve been teasing, which will join their three other jerseys in the wardrobe to give them five total for 2026.
The team hasn’t shared any details about what the uniforms will look like, but players sure seem excited about them – and it appears at least one uniform will be getting a new helmet.
Here’s everything you need to know for tonight’s unveiling.
“Rams Revealed Live” begins at 6:30 p.m. PT, so the uniforms will be revealed at some point during the show. It’s unclear exactly what time they will pull back the curtain, though.

#uniforms #Event #team #uniform