Rams Make Trent McDuffie Highest-Paid Cornerback in NFL History

The Los Angeles Rams signed the former Kansas City Chiefs star to a 4-year, $124 million deal.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Los Angeles Rams have made Trent McDuffie the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, signing the former Kansas City Chiefs star to a 4-year, $124 million contract extension. McDuffie, a First-team All-Pro in 2023, will now earn an average annual value of $31 million, surpassing the previous record for the position.

Why it matters

The blockbuster deal highlights the Rams' commitment to building a championship-caliber defense, as they look to defend their Super Bowl title. McDuffie's arrival also reunites him with his hometown, as the Westminster, California native now gets to play in front of his family.

The details

The Rams acquired McDuffie from the Chiefs last week, sending their 2023 first-round pick (No. 29 overall) as well as 2026 fifth- and sixth-round selections and a 2027 third-rounder. The 24-year-old cornerback is coming off a stellar 2023 campaign, recording a career-high 63 tackles, 7 passes defended, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.

  • The Rams and McDuffie agreed to the 4-year, $124 million extension on March 9, 2026.
  • McDuffie's previous contract included a fifth-year option for the 2026 season, which he was set to play on before the extension.

The players

Trent McDuffie

A 24-year-old cornerback who was recently traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Los Angeles Rams. McDuffie is a First-team All-Pro and has won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes

The quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who expressed his disappointment on social media about McDuffie's departure from the team.

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What they’re saying

“damn”

— Patrick Mahomes (Twitter)

“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.”

— Trent McDuffie (ESPN)

What’s next

The Rams' blockbuster deal with McDuffie comes ahead of the start of free agency on March 11, where the team could make additional moves to bolster their roster.

The takeaway

The Rams' record-setting contract with Trent McDuffie underscores their commitment to building an elite defense as they look to defend their Super Bowl title. The move also allows the California native to return home and play in front of his family.