Trent McDuffie opens up about playing alongside Myles Garrett, Aaron Donald with Rams

Cornerback Trent McDuffie earned a pair of Super Bowl rings while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2022 through the 2025 season. 

However, he experienced a bit of a career reset when he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams this past March. At the time that McDuffie and the Rams agreed to a four-year, $124M contract extension, few could have guessed that Los Angeles would now also have star pass-rusher Myles Garrett and previously retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald on its active roster. 

During an appearance on Tuesday's edition of "The NFL Report," McDuffie discussed sharing a locker room with both Garrett and Donald. 

Rams' "masterminds" have put together what seems to be an elite defense

"I probably would've said you're lying, for real," McDuffie told show host Andrew Siciliano, per Grant Gordon of the league's website. "There's no way you can get me. There's no way you can get Myles. There's no way you can get A.D. But, hey, hat off to [general manager Les Snead]. Hat off to [head coach Sean McVay]. Those guys are masterminds, and they did it."

In June, the Rams sent edge-rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round choice to the Cleveland Browns for Garrett. It was then learned this past Sunday that Donald was signing a one-year deal to end his retirement. 

ESPN's Sarah Barshop noted that the Rams "might be positioned to have the best defensive front in NFL history." Garrett is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year who is still in his physical prime. While Donald is 35 years old and hasn't played since he retired in March 2024, the Rams reportedly have a plan in mind to ensure the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is at his best for when the postseason gets underway. 

Trent McDuffie shares how he, Rams teammates reacted to Aaron Donald news

Rumors about a possible Donald comeback hovered over the Rams for months. That said, it seemed as recently as this past Saturday that he ultimately could decide to stay retired. 

"When that news broke, and we kinda heard what was happening, I think everybody's eyes kinda got wide," McDuffie said about learning Donald was rejoining the Rams. "There were a lot of smiles going on. Like I said, we're welcoming him back with open arms. We're just excited to see him get back on that field, because you know as well as I do, that man's a threat."

As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Rams as the overwhelming betting favorites at +500 odds to win Super Bowl LXI. On Monday, at least one ESPN segment featured media personalities discussing whether or not the 2026 Rams could go unbeaten. 

On Sunday evening, Donald said he "100 percent" believes he can "play at a high level" and reclaim his best form. He hasn't yet played an in-game snap this year, but it sounds like he has impressed McDuffie and other Rams players. 

"He's one of those guys, everybody will say it, he comes ready," McDuffie added about Donald. "Ready to win. Double lift days. Spending extra time, just getting back into football shape and learning this new playbook, but I know for me personally, just having a vet to come in here and knowing who he is, knowing what he's about, I think everybody around here is excited to bring him back and welcome him with open arms."