Cobie Durant's path back to LA got a boost from most unlikely of sources

The Los Angeles Rams went out and did what their fans had been begging them to, acquiring an elite cornerback in Kansas City's Trent McDuffie via trade. While that doesn't mean they won't take a top corner in the draft, or sniff around for top-tier options in free agency, it removes pressure to add a No. 1 option-type of talent. 

Just as importantly, it also gives them less money to spend on further additions. McDuffie has a $13.6 million team option in 2026, but the Rams are expected to extend him in conjunction with the trade. In free agency, chasing Tampa Bay's Jamel Dean or the Chiefs' other starter, Jaylen Watson, just got a lot less likely. 

It also complicates re-signing their own more expensive free agents like safety Kam Curl. 

One Rams free agent who might not be quite so costly? Cornerback Cobie Durant. Paradoxically, adding McDuffie could increase LA's appetite to bring back Durant if he is amenable to a team-friendly deal.

Bringing back Durant makes more sense than ever for the Rams

McDuffie fills a void on the roster, but that's exactly it - he just fills one hole of many in a porous secondary. In addition to Durant, Roger McCreary and Akhello Witherspoon are also free agents, and Darious Williams may be cut to save cap space. Emmanuel Forbes may or may not be a starter. The DB room is still full of questions. 

That's where re-signing Durant could make almost too much sense. With McDuffie on the payroll, the Rams have less spending power to add at cornerback, and they already have their top guy. As a second starter, Durant is suddenly a very appealing fit. 

Like so many future moves this offseason, the main question will be money. Having graduated from his rookie contract, Durant will likely want a raise on his $3.4 million 2025 salary. How much of a raise is the deciding factor? 

Would GM Les Snead entertain bringing him back at, say, $6-7 million per year? How much more could Durant get elsewhere, and would he return to Los Angeles at a discount? 

Strictly from a production standpoint, Durant was the best cornerback in the Rams' room last season. He tied Forbes for the team lead with three interceptions, without Forbes' inclination for basic mistakes. Per Pro Football Reference, Durant has held quarterbacks to a career 74.3 passer rating when targeted in the regular season. He is more than a capable starter.

Having secured McDuffie, that's the type of cornerback it makes sense for Snead to target in free agency: quality players on economical contracts. If Durant is interested in a reunion, the Rams should be, too.