Rams Secure Trent McDuffie with a Historic Contract
The Los Angeles Rams and star cornerback Trent McDuffie have reached an agreement on a four-year, $124 million contract extension, including $100 million guaranteed. This deal makes 25-year-old McDuffie the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
Last Wednesday, the Rams agreed to acquire McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for several picks, including number 29 in the 2026 NFL draft. The transfer and agreement can be made official on Wednesday, at the beginning of the new league year.
McDuffie was entering the final season of his rookie contract. Last April, the Chiefs exercised his fifth-year option, fully guaranteeing his $13.6 million salary for 2026.
Now, McDuffie will earn much more thanks to a contract that averages $31 million annually, surpassing Sauce Gardner of the Colts ($30.1 million) and Derek Stingley Jr. of the Texans ($30 million), who previously led among NFL cornerbacks. Stingley had the previous record for the most guaranteed money for a cornerback, with $89 million.
The cornerback position was a priority for the Rams heading into free agency and the draft, as they had four players at that position about to become free agents. In addition, cornerback Darious Williams announced his retirement on Saturday.
Along with the number 29 selection, the Chiefs will receive fifth and sixth-round picks from 2026 and a third-round pick from 2027 as part of the trade.
The Rams still have a first-round pick (number 13) after trading positions with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2025 draft.
McDuffie, a native of Southern California, played his final year of high school at St. John Bosco High.
In August, during a back-to-school event in Kansas City, Missouri, McDuffie was asked which other team he would like to play for if it weren’t for the Chiefs.
“You’re going to get me in trouble,” McDuffie said with a smile. “Let’s think. If I could play for another team, I’d probably want to play near my family, so it would probably be the L.A. Rams so my family could come watch every game.”
In 56 career games, McDuffie has recorded three interceptions, 34 passes defended, 5.5 sacks, and 246 total tackles. He was named First-Team All-Pro in 2023.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, McDuffie has allowed 6.0 yards per target in coverage over the last two seasons, making him the third best among defensive players who have been targeted at least 150 times.
