Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rams Sign Newly-Acquired Trent McDuffie To Contract Extension

Originally posted on Rams Newswire | By Corey Hansford | Last updated Mar 8, 2026 8:27 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams knew that their secondary needed to be addressed this offseason and they did so in a big way, trading for two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. The Rams gave up multiple draft picks, including their own first-rounder in this year’s draft, but getting someone of McDuffie’s caliber is worth it.

This is par for the course for the Rams, who are no stranger to trading picks in order to get a star player they feel will help them win a Super Bowl. In McDuffie’s case, however, the Rams aren’t just getting the player, but will also need to pay that player handsomely.

McDuffie is entering the last year of his rookie deal and was known to be looking for a contract extension in the range of the highest paid cornerbacks in the NFL, which was Sauce Gardner at just over $30 million a year. And the Rams have given McDuffie what he wanted as the two sides have agreed to an extension, via Adam Schefter of ESPN:

ESPN sources: Rams and Trent McDuffie reached agreement today on a record four-year, $124 million extension that includes $100 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. McDuffie gets a trade and a new deal days apart as the Rams and CAA Football… pic.twitter.com/53cisV7oG8

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026

McDuffie took to social media to react to his new deal:

God is Good

— Trent McDuffie (@trent_mcduffie) March 8, 2026

The Rams traded for McDuffie knowing they would have to pay him and they were willing to do that. McDuffie has been one of the top cornerbacks in the league over the past couple of years, now he is getting paid like one and the Rams will be looking for him to help get this team back to the Super Bowl.

McDuffie is undoubtedly a star cornerback who can line up both on the outside and in the slot as a nickel back. Additionally, the Rams still have a first-round pick in this draft from the Atlanta Falcons, so they can potentially address another area of need with that pick as opposed to potentially reaching for a corner with the 13th pick.

This isn’t the first time the Rams have made a huge trade for a cornerback either as the team famously traded for Jalen Ramsey back in 2019 and gave him a big extension that made him the highest paid defensive back in NFL history. And Ramsey would go on to be a huge piece of the Rams’ Super Bowl Championship team in 2021.

This team wants to win now and the pressure will be on McDuffie to deliver for the Rams on their quest back to the Super Bowl.

Rams coach Sean McVay explains decision to part ways with assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant

The Rams have also made some changes on the coaching staff this season and, to the surprise of many, parted ways with assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant. Head coach Sean McVay recently explained the team’s decision to go in another direction.

This article first appeared on Rams Newswire and was syndicated with permission.

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