The Kansas City Chiefs stunned the NFL world by trading star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, and one of the first people to react publicly was his longtime teammate Jaylen Watson.

Watson, who is set to become a free agent soon, took to the social platform X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the news broke, posting a brief but emotional message directed at McDuffie.

Though simple, the message reflected the bond between the two defensive backs, whose careers have been closely linked since they entered the league together.

A Partnership That Began in the 2022 Draft

Watson and McDuffie were both selected by Kansas City in the 2022 NFL Draft, though their draft journeys looked very different.

• McDuffie was taken 21st overall in the first round, expected to become an immediate defensive cornerstone.

• Watson was selected 243rd overall in the seventh round, viewed as a long-shot to even make the roster.

Despite the odds, Watson quickly proved his value.

After an impressive training camp, he earned a spot on the roster and soon found himself in a starting role when McDuffie suffered a hamstring injury early in the season.

Watson’s Breakout Moment

Watson wasted little time making his presence felt.

One of the most memorable plays of his rookie season came against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football, when he returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown.

The play instantly became one of the highlights of Kansas City’s season and cemented Watson’s reputation as a clutch defensive playmaker.

Over four seasons with the Chiefs, Watson has compiled:

• 29 starts

• 3 interceptions

• 24 passes defended

• 178 total tackles

• 4 sacks

If he remains with Kansas City, Watson could now become the top cornerback in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system following McDuffie’s departure.

Chiefs Face Major Roster Questions

While the McDuffie trade gives the Chiefs additional draft capital, it also highlights several roster holes heading into the offseason.

General manager Brett Veach now faces a critical rebuilding period after the team finished a disappointing 6–11 season.

Several key areas require immediate attention.

Defensive Line

Kansas City needs upgrades at both defensive end and defensive tackle.

While the free-agent market includes several high-profile pass rushers, the Chiefs may rely heavily on the 2026 NFL Draft, where they now hold two first-round picks.