In a conversation with reporters on Tuesday, Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead hinted at the possibility his franchise could make another big splash, exchanging premium picks for premium players. Well, Snead and the Rams went back into "F them picks" mode on Wednesday. They reportedly agreed to trade for Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, giving up their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They also gave up fifth and sixth-round selections in the upcoming draft to go along with a 2027 third-round pick. The move shows a sense of urgency from the Rams as they use a similar strategy to how they built their 2021 Super Bowl-winning team. With reigning MVP Matthew Stafford turning 38 years old in February and in the final year of his contract, Snead knows the Rams are smack dab in a Super Bowl window and need to make the most of that opportunity. Of course, the Rams have shown in years past a willingness to give up high draft picks for elite players in their prime. They traded multiple first-round picks for Stafford and cornerback Jalen Ramsey several years ago before making an in-season deal for pass rusher Von Miller that helped them win a Super Bowl five years ago at SoFi Stadium. And yes, next years Super Bowl will be played in L.A. at SoFi Stadium again. So, its no surprise that the Rams gave up their first-round pick this year in order to strengthen their roster for 2026. But this trade is a bit different than the other trades Los Angeles has made for elite players. Even after Wednesday's reported trade, the Rams still have one selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. They hold the No. 13 pick, which they secured by trading back with the Atlanta Falcons last year. Los Angeles has only taken one player in the first round during head coach Sean McVays tenure, selecting edge rusher Jared Verse with the No. 19 overall selection in 2024. But the Rams could soon add another impact player in April's draft, thanks to the trade they made with the Falcons last year. The Rams needed cornerback help now, though. Their secondary struggled to contain Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold in the NFC Championship Game last season, letting him dice them up as the Rams lost, 31-27. The Rams also have four cornerbacks set to become free agents next week in Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, Ahkello Witherspoon and Roger McCreary. "We try to use them [draft picks] on a player thats going to give us an edge and make an impact," Snead said at the podium when asked about the possibility of using draft picks in a trade for a player this week. "We like to call it an edge. What edge does that player give this version of the Rams?" With Stafford playing at a high level and a dominant, young defensive front led by Verse, Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, Snead and McVay are taking another big swing for the fence to chase down the Super Bowl defending champion Seahawks. McDuffie is 25 years old and in the prime of his career. Hes from Southern California, so the trade gives him an opportunity to return home. And theres familiarity on the roster, with Rams passing games coordinator/defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake having coached McDuffie in college as Washingtons head coach. McDuffie also offers versatility, with the ability to play slot defender and on the perimeter. McDuffie is entering the final year of his rookie deal, but is expected to sign a new contract with the Rams. "We want to bring on guys that we all have a lot of like and love for and theres a vision for them," said McVay when asked by reporters about his teams philosophy for acquiring players with picks. "Most importantly, what's the vision for these guys and how can we help them bring it to life and then how do they fit? The fit is so big. Do you fit culturally? One of our advantages is that going into year 10 with Les [Snead], theres continuity and there's ability to reflect on nine other years of good examples and then not being afraid to learn from the ones that we would do differently." While the trade immediately improves L.A.s secondary, the cash-strapped Chiefs benefit from securing more draft capital, which should allow general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid to acquire a handful of young players to improve the team offensively once franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes returns from his ACL tear. The Chiefs could use help at running back, receiver and along the offensive and defensive lines. Kansas City now has nine picks overall in this years draft, including five in the first 109 picks and the No. 9 overall pick. This also marks the second time in three seasons that the Chiefs have moved one of their top cornerbacks via trade. Two years ago, Kansas City traded LJarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, where he signed a four-year, $76.4 million extension. Sneed hasn't lived up to that deal, though, missing 22 games in two seasons with Tennessee as Kansas City received a third-round pick for him. Still, the trade ultimately centers back to the Rams' aggressive approach to building a Super Bowl roster as they seek to strike gold in 2026. And if it works, Snead can proclaim "F them picks," again during a championship parade. Trade grades Trade grade for the Los Angeles Rams: A-Trade grade for the Kansas City Chiefs: B+

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Crysencio Summerville was instrumental again for West Ham in their crucial 1-0 victory over Fulham, a result that significantly impacts the Premier League relegation battle. The in-form Dutch winger capitalised on a significant error from Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno to net his seventh goal in his last 10 appearances.This vital win at Craven Cottage propelled the Hammers level on points with 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, leaving them in the relegation zone only by virtue of goal difference. The outcome also draws Tottenham Hotspur deeper into the fight, with West Ham and Forest now just a single point behind them. West Ham had shown early attacking intent, with Jarrod Bowen setting up Taty Castellanos for a shot that Leno saved within the first minute.England World Cup hopeful Bowen was then teed up by Castellanos, but his shot was deflected wide, while the Hammers captain sliced another half chance well off target.Fulham, hunting for a third straight win but without nine-goal winger Harry Wilson due to an ankle injury, looked to Josh King for inspiration and twice the teenager was denied by last-ditch interceptions from Axel Disasi and Tomas Soucek.Summerville broke the deadlock in the 65th minute (John Walton/PA Wire)Alex Iwobi saw a couple of long-range efforts saved by Mads Hermansen before, on the stroke of half-time, the Hammers keeper stuck out a leg to divert Kings snap-shot behind.West Ham almost broke the deadlock seconds after the restart but Leno superbly tipped a Soucek header over the crossbar.At the other end, there was a moment of mild controversy when Fulham were awarded a penalty by referee Matthew Donohue for a foul on Tom Cairney.However, a VAR review clearly showed the Fulham skipper had kicked the calf of Castellanos and, after a quick trip to the screen, Dononue reversed his decision.The visitors were building up a head of steam, though, and Leno had to be on his toes to prevent a Samuel Chukwueze own goal before Callum Wilson and Soucek just failed to get on the end of Summervilles cross at the far post.Fulham almost snatched the lead when Iwobis cross found substitute Emile Smith Rowe at the far post, but his finish was poor.And moments later Leno suffered his rush of blood, charging out of his area to intercept a through-ball only to gift it to Bowen.Bowen tapped the ball to Summerville, who steadied himself before finishing into an empty net.Fulham, still in with a shout of a European place, tried to hit back but Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz both fired narrowly over and Hermansen made a fine save in stoppage time to deny Smith Rowe as West Ham held on for what could be a critical victory.

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The New England Patriots have informed wide receiver Stefon Diggs that hell 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 hasnt 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.Diggs became the go-to target for Drake Maye, who finished runner-up to Matthew Stafford for the AP NFL MVP award.The 32-year-old four-time Pro Bowl wideout now seeks his fifth team and fourth in four years.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL

The New England Patriots have informed wide receiver Stefon Diggs that hell 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 hasnt 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.Diggs became the go-to target for Drake Maye, who finished runner-up to Matthew Stafford for the AP NFL MVP award.The 32-year-old four-time Pro Bowl wideout now seeks his fifth team and fourth in four years.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL