Rams Sign Trent McDuffie to Record-Breaking Extension

The deal will make the cornerback the highest-paid at his position in the NFL.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Los Angeles Rams are finalizing a contract extension with cornerback Trent McDuffie that will make him the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. The four-year, $124 million deal with $100 million guaranteed comes after the Rams acquired McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs last week in a trade.

Why it matters

The Rams are bolstering their secondary after their defense faltered late last season. McDuffie, a rising star, will be the centerpiece of the Rams' revamped defensive backfield as they aim to return to the Super Bowl.

The details

The extension will keep McDuffie with the Rams through the 2030 season. Los Angeles gave up the 29th overall pick, a fifth-round pick, a sixth-round pick this year, and a third-round pick next year to acquire the 24-year-old cornerback from the Chiefs. McDuffie was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team selection in 2024, making 34 quarterback pressures and forcing 8 fumbles in his four NFL seasons.

  • The Rams and McDuffie are finalizing the extension this week.
  • 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 recently traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Los Angeles Rams.

Jalen Ramsey

The Rams' current highest-paid cornerback, who signed a five-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.

Kam Curl

A Rams safety who recently signed a contract extension.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Rams are still not able to publicly confirm the trade for McDuffie from the Chiefs, but the extension is expected to be finalized this week.

The takeaway

The Rams are making a major investment in their secondary, showing their commitment to building a championship-caliber defense after falling short of the Super Bowl last season. McDuffie's arrival will allow the Rams to be even more versatile on defense as they aim to return to the top of the NFL.