All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie emerging as Chiefs' vocal leader in L'Jarius Sneed's absence

When the Kansas City Chiefs traded CB L'Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, they knew they were losing one of their top leaders and playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. 

They felt confident in moving on from Sneed because they had an All-Pro corner waiting in the wings in Trent McDuffie. Not only will the third-year starter be asked to fill in for Sneed, playing a higher percentage of his snaps at outside corner and teeing off against opposing No. 1 WRs, but he'll also be asked to take a more vocal role as a leader on the defense. 

“You know, we all love LJ," McDuffie told reporters following practice on Wednesday. "Disappointed to see him go, also excited for his new journey. But for us, I think it just allows new guys to step up and take on a bigger role. Guys like me, I gotta step up, become more of a leader.”

That process is already beginning for McDuffie as OTAs got underway. He's working to ensure that the championship standard is upheld by ensuring everyone knows their jobs and the playbook as best they can. After all, the results of back-to-back Super Bowl titles speak for themselves.

“Yeah, I’ve had to speak up a little bit especially with the rookies coming in and trying to learn this playbook and everything," McDuffie said. "I know I was there two years ago. Trying to just set that standard and make sure we don’t dip below it.”

Young players emerging under Chiefs' leadership in the secondary

With McDuffie expected to play more outside cornerback in 2024 with Sneed now gone, it has opened up some opportunities on defense. Several young players in the secondary will have the chance to seize a role as the team's nickel cornerback. 

"Young guys who are coming in, rookies and one-year players, who can really come in and make a name for themselves," McDuffie said. "I think that's really exciting to see for me, and just, shoot, as a fan, seeing young guys come in and just play and dominate with the Kansas City Chiefs. I think that's going to be a lot of fun." 

It wasn't long ago that McDuffie was the young guy coming in and dominating with his new team. He mentioned two second-year players who have impressed thus far,  showing an eagerness and willingness to learn. 

"I think they're doing a great job," McDuffie said. "I mean, Chamarri Conner, Nic Jones, a couple of rookies coming in here and really holding down that Nickel spot. They're constantly asking me questions and stuff in the film room."

OTAs are still very early in the process, but a good foundation can ensure this group doesn't miss a beat when they suit up to face a potent Baltimore Ravens offense in Week 1. 

"They're coming along great," he concluded. "So just being able to be there as one of those guys, 'Hey, do this. Do that.' And just give them little tidbits like that, I just feel like it's something that could help."