McDuffie

LOS ANGELES — The Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams agreed on a trade that sends star cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles in exchange for several draft picks, three people with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the trade has not been finalized. Kansas City will receive the 29th overall pick in the upcoming draft, and fifth-round and sixth-round picks this spring along with a third-round pick next year.

The deal would fill the Rams’ biggest roster need by adding an elite cornerback to their mediocre secondary. Los Angeles finished 19th in the NFL in pass defense last season, undercutting the work of a strong defensive line and the NFL’s most productive offense.

A two-time Super Bowl champion and a strong coverage defender who also excelled in pressuring quarterbacks and delivering big hits during his first four NFL seasons, McDuffie was a first-team AP All-Pro slot cornerback in 2023 and a second-team choice in 2024.

McDuffie, a first-round pick in 2022, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will make $13.6 million this season, though the Rams already are likely working on a long-term deal.

With this extra draft capital, the Chiefs will attempt to pry open a second Super Bowl window for Mahomes by boosting the talent around him.

Kansas City will also continue its recent tradition of parting ways with its best defensive backs when they reach eligibility for their second contracts: Two years ago, Kansas City traded L’Jarius Sneed to Tennessee.

Diggs done

The New England Patriots have informed wide receiver Stefon Diggs that he’ll be released when the new league year begins next week, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the team hasn’t announced its intention.

Diggs posted a goodbye on social media, thanking the Patriots for the season and saying: “We family forever.”

Diggs led the team with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards receiving with four touchdowns in his only season in New England, helping the Patriots reach the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks.

So long, linemen

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers released guard Mekhi Becton and tight end Will Dissly as they reshape the roster a week before the NFL’s new league year begins.

The team also waived tackle Savion Washington. Becton started 15 of 16 games last season. Dissly started 11 games over the past two years after signing in 2024. He totaled 63 catches for 594 yards and two touchdowns in that span.

He ranked third on the team in 2024 with 50 catches. Washington joined the Bolts as an undrafted free agent, but never got off the PUP list.

Hisi next team will be his fifth team in the last four seasons.

HOF game set

CANTON, Ohio — The Arizona Cardinals will take on the Carolina Panthers in the annual Hall of Fame exhibition game on Aug. 6 as part of enshrinement week.

The game will air on NBC.

Longtime Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly are part of a five-person class for the Pro Football Hall of Fame that will be inducted on Aug. 8.

The other inductees are Drew Brees, Roger Craig and Adam Vinatieri. Arizona will be designated as the home team for the game that will be the debut for new coach Mike LaFleur.