Sean McVay had the jitters until Rams' Trent McDuffie trade went through

Do you ever pause to wonder how blockbuster trades take place? The Los Angeles Rams pulled off not one but two trades that changed the landscape of the entire NFL. Such moves are never certain until they happen. How do coaches and personnel executives manage the uncertainty that builds up before pen hits paper?

Rams head coach Sean McVay can be a bit of a nervous nellie. In a late-March episode of the Fitz & Whit podcast, hosted by ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and former Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth, general manager Les Snead shared an entertaining tale of McVay's anxiety as trade season neared:

"I just don't think we're organized ... We're trying to revamp our corner room.""

Rams HC Sean McVay

That tidbit does more than entertain. It affords fans a vantage point of how the days leading up to trades wear on the people involved. But it also reveals the amount of work and rework the entire organization undertakes in its pre-trade preparation. Snead revealed that the Rams targeted as many as five cornerbacks this offseason.

They emerged with two of the best.

Rams upgraded their most vulnerable position beyond expectations

There was no mistaking which positions LA needed to address this offseason. After a humbling experience in the playoffs, the secondary became the top priority.

Unfortunately, rookie defensive backs tend not to be dependable. The draft wasn't going to yield the answer. On the other hand, veteran corners worth pursuing are typically overpriced.

But Los Angeles ultimately managed to pry All-Pro Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs for a package of draft picks spearheaded by a late first-round pick in 2026.

No rookie cornerback offered McDuffie's real-time impact. And no prospect offered his superb synergy with free agent and fellow former Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson. But Snead was clear that neither he nor McVay knew if the plan would pan out. They had multiple targets, and various contingency plans in place.

LA's secondary got better. How much better? Some speculate that acquiring McDuffie could parallel the addition of ex-Rams All-Pro Jalen Ramsey. That remains to be seen. In training camp, McDuffie is already being tested in his battles with Puka Nacua. Iron sharpens iron.

Did the Rams get their guy? McDuffie's fit, his influence in the signing of his Chiefs teammate, and the fair price paid leaves no room for second-guessing.

Actually, mock trades pitching McDuffie to the Rams were already circulating before the act. Until the deal was history, however, Sean McVay may have lost some sleep.

As always, thanks for reading.

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