Rams Sign Trent McDuffie to Record-Breaking CB Contract

Four-year, $124 million extension makes McDuffie the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Los Angeles Rams have signed cornerback Trent McDuffie to a four-year, $124 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. McDuffie, who was acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs in a trade last week, will now be under contract with the Rams through the 2030 season.

Why it matters

The Rams have made a major investment in their secondary by signing McDuffie to this record-breaking deal. After falling just short of the Super Bowl last season, the Rams are clearly prioritizing defensive upgrades to bolster their chances of returning to the big game.

The details

The extension includes $100 million in guaranteed money, surpassing the previous high for a cornerback set by Jalen Ramsey's $105 million deal with the Rams in 2020. McDuffie, a Los Angeles native, was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team selection in 2024. He has 3 interceptions, 5.5 sacks, and a league-leading 34 quarterback pressures and 8 forced fumbles in his 4-year NFL career.

  • The Rams acquired McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs in a trade last Wednesday.
  • McDuffie is currently in the fifth year of his rookie contract, set to make $13.6 million in 2026.

The players

Trent McDuffie

A 24-year-old cornerback who was born and raised in the Los Angeles suburbs and played college football at the University of Washington, where he was coached by current Rams defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake.

Jalen Ramsey

The Rams' star cornerback who previously held the record for highest-paid cornerback in the NFL with his 5-year, $105 million extension in 2020.

Quentin Lake

A Rams safety who recently signed a contract extension and currently plays the 'star' position in the Rams' defense, lining up both as a slot cornerback and a run-stopping defensive back.

Kam Curl

Another Rams safety who recently signed a contract extension as the team continues to bolster its secondary.

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What’s next

The Rams still need to officially announce the trade with the Chiefs that brought McDuffie to Los Angeles, as well as the details of his new contract extension.

The takeaway

The Rams have made a bold move to solidify their secondary by making Trent McDuffie the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. This investment in their defense signals the team's determination to return to the Super Bowl after falling just short last season.