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Former Chiefs First-Round Pick Reflects on Frustrating 2018 Trade to Rams
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- Former Chiefs First-Round Pick Reflects on Frustrating 2018 Trade to Rams
The Kansas City Chiefs took a gamble on cornerback Marcus Peters with the 18th pick in the 2015 draft. He was arguably the best cornerback in his class, but he fell in the draft after being kicked off his college team at Washington for clashing with coaches.
However, the risk initially paid off, as Peters was a star from day one, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. But behind the production, his relationship with the team soured in Dec. 2017.
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And shortly after the season ended, they traded him to the Los Angeles Rams . Years later, Peters is finally sharing his side of that exit, suggesting the organization didn't give him the room to grow as a young player.
Skyy Moore carries the ball against Marcus Peters at Allegiant Stadium© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In a recent appearance on "The W Show" podcast, the former Chiefs cornerback said , "I didn't really want to go. I didn't want to go nowhere. I didn't ask for no trade. I didn't do anything. I was in LA, and I got a call from my agent saying, 'Hey, you might be getting traded."
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He added, "I was low-key pissed off because I didn't want to go nowhere, just be honest. I love playing ball in KC. I love coming into Arrowhead Stadium and being able to perform it. That's why you got my best out there."
While they agreed to a deal in February, the trade became official on March 14, 2018. The Chiefs sent Peters and a sixth-round pick to the Rams for a 2018 fourth-rounder and a 2019 second-rounder.
Kansas City reportedly called every other team in the league to find a buyer, but 28 of them weren't interested. Even though Peters had no say in the move, he left as one of the most decorated corners, recording 19 interceptions and 55 passes defended in just three seasons.
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According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Peters "was not someone that owner Clark Hunt was going to pay on a long-term extension." The front office had made its decision. Peters just happened to find out about it from his agent while he was out of town.
His time with the Rams was very short, however. On Oct. 15, 2019, the Rams traded Peters to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for linebacker Kenny Young and a 2020 fifth-round pick.
After four seasons in Baltimore, including missing 2021 with an ACL injury, Peters signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in July 2023. His time in Vegas ended abruptly when the Raiders waived him in November after he was benched during a game against his former team, the Chiefs.
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Following his release, Peters largely transitioned away from the field and was recently named the head football coach at his alma mater, McClymonds High School.
Related: Chiefs Send Message on Patrick Mahomes' NFL Draft Mistake
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
