Trent McDuffie and the Los Angeles Rams have reached an agreement on a record-breaking four-year extension worth $124 million, with $100 million guaranteed.
The agreement was reached on Sunday, according to sources. The contract will make McDuffie the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
McDuffie’s Move to Los Angeles
The Rams agreed last Wednesday to acquire McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. The Rams traded a package of picks for McDuffie, including the No. 29 selection in the 2026 NFL draft. The trade and the contract extension can become official on Wednesday, at the start of the new league year.
McDuffie was entering the final season of his rookie deal. The Chiefs had exercised his fifth-year option last April, guaranteeing his 2026 salary of $13.6 million.
Record-Breaking Contract Details
The new deal averages $31 million annually for McDuffie. This surpasses the Colts’ Sauce Gardner ($30.1 million) and the Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr. ($30 million) as the highest for NFL cornerbacks. Stingley previously held the record for the highest guaranteed money for a cornerback, with $89 million.
- McDuffie: $31 million annually
- Gardner: $30.1 million annually
- Stingley Jr.: $30 million annually
Rams Address Cornerback Needs
Cornerback was a key area of need for the Rams heading into free agency and the draft. They had four pending free agents at the position. Darious Williams also announced his retirement on Saturday.
Along with pick No. 29, the Chiefs will receive 2026 fifth- and sixth-round selections and a 2027 third-rounder as part of the trade, sources previously said. The Rams still have one first-round pick (No. 13) after trading back with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2025 draft.
McDuffie’s West Coast Connection
McDuffie is originally from Southern California. He played his senior year of high school at St. John Bosco High.
In August, McDuffie was hosting a back-to-school event in Kansas City, Missouri, when he was asked which team he would want to play for if it wasn’t 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 close to my family, so that would probably be the L.A. Rams so that my family could come see every single game.”
McDuffie’s Career Stats
McDuffie has played in 56 career games. He has three interceptions, 34 pass breakups, 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 in the past two seasons. This is the third best among defensive backs who have been targeted at least 150 times.
The trade and the deal can become official Wednesday at the start of the new league year.