Rams, Trent McDuffie Progressing Toward Record-Breaking Deal

All-Pro cornerback set to become highest-paid player at his position.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Los Angeles Rams are making significant progress on a contract extension with newly acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie. The deal is expected to make McDuffie the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, surpassing the $30 million per year that Sauce Gardner currently earns from the Colts.

Why it matters

Retaining top defensive talent is crucial for the Rams as they look to build on their recent Super Bowl victory. McDuffie's lockdown coverage skills will be vital in their efforts to repeat as champions.

The details

The Rams acquired McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs last week in a trade that will send multiple draft picks to Kansas City. McDuffie is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which would have paid him $13.6 million for the 2026 season. The new extension is expected to exceed $30 million per year, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the league.

  • The Rams and McDuffie have been in contract negotiations since the trade was agreed upon last week.
  • The trade cannot be officially completed until the start of the new league year on Wednesday.

The players

Trent McDuffie

An All-Pro cornerback who was recently traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Los Angeles Rams.

Sauce Gardner

The current highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, earning $30.1 million annually from the Colts.

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What they’re saying

“The Rams have made 'significant progress' on a contract extension with McDuffie and 'the hope is a deal is done in the near future.'”

— NFL Network (NFL Network)

What’s next

The trade between the Rams and Chiefs cannot be officially completed until the start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 13th. Once the trade is finalized, the Rams and McDuffie are expected to quickly finalize the record-breaking contract extension.

The takeaway

The Rams are making a major investment to retain one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, signaling their commitment to building a championship-caliber defense as they look to repeat as Super Bowl champions.