Rams Make McDuffie Highest-Paid CB
Trent McDuffie was traded to the Rams and signed for $100 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
The Rams traded four draft picks to the Chiefs to acquire McDuffie, including the No. 29 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 draft. They also gave up a third-round pick in 2027, plus fifth- and sixth-round picks. McDuffie's new contract averages $31 million per year, surpassing Sauce Gardner's $30.1 million average with the Colts. His $100 million in guarantees also exceeds the previous high of $89.02 million held by Derek Stingley Jr. of the Texans. The Rams hope McDuffie will significantly improve their pass defense, which ranked 19th in the NFL last season. He is expected to be a centerpiece of their defense for years to come. McDuffie, a first-round pick in 2022, helped the Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowls. He was also a first-team All-Pro selection in 2023. The Chiefs reportedly couldn't afford McDuffie's long-term contract due to other large contracts. The Rams, known for making record-setting deals, clearly view him as a key piece in their Super Bowl aspirations.
