Kansas City traded Marcus Peters and a 2018 sixth-round pick…
Kansas City traded Marcus Peters and a 2018 sixth-round pick to the Rams for a 2018 fourth-rounder and a 2019 second-rounder. Those picks became Armani Watts and Juan Thornhill. Peters helped Los Angeles reach Super Bowl LIII, but Thornhill developed into a multi-year Chiefs starter and championship contributor, giving Kansas City stronger long-term value from the package.
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- pick 2018 4th round pick (124th overall, Armani Watts)
- pick 2019 2nd round pick (63rd overall, Juan Thornhill)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Marcus Peters
- pick 2018 6th round pick (209th overall subsequently traded, Cornell Armstrong )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Kansas City sent cornerback Marcus Peters and a 2018 sixth-round pick, No. 209, to the Rams. Los Angeles sent back a 2018 fourth-round pick, No. 124, and a 2019 second-round pick that became No. 63. The Chiefs used No. 124 on safety Armani Watts and No. 63 on safety Juan Thornhill. The Rams later moved the acquired sixth-rounder, but Peters was the centerpiece of their return and entered the lineup immediately.
Why Kansas City Pulled Ahead
Peters gave Los Angeles meaningful contender value. He started through the Rams' 2018 run to Super Bowl LIII and continued as a starting corner into 2019. That keeps the Rams' grade healthy. Kansas City, however, converted the future premium pick into Thornhill, who became a multi-year starting safety and contributed to championship teams. Watts also supplied special-teams and depth value. The Chiefs effectively exchanged one high-level defensive back for a younger package that fit their evolving roster and lasted longer.
How the Trade Aged
Los Angeles eventually traded Peters to Baltimore during the 2019 season, shortening his Rams tenure to 22 regular-season games. His later excellence for another club cannot be credited to Los Angeles, just as Thornhill's later work after Kansas City should not change what he provided the Chiefs. The key comparison is Peters' strong but brief Rams window against Kansas City's combination of draft value, multiple seasons of safety play and championship-season contributions.
Final Verdict
Kansas City wins with an A-, while Los Angeles earns a B. The Rams made a defensible win-now move and received a Super Bowl starter, but the Chiefs' younger return lasted longer and included a major contributor in Thornhill. The extra sixth-round asset does not erase that long-term edge.