Trent McDuffie, Rams agree on richest deal ever for a cornerback
The Rams believe cornerback Trent McDuffie can help them win another Super Bowl title.
And they are ready to pay the price.
On Sunday, less than a week after agreeing to a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for McDuffie, the Rams and McDuffie agreed to terms on a contract extension that will make him the NFL’s highest-paid player at his position, a person with knowledge of the situation said. The person requested anonymity because the trade and extension won’t become official until Wednesday, when the new league year begins.
But McDuffie’s four-year contract is worth $124 million, including $100 million guaranteed, according to ESPN, making McDuffie the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
The Rams are no strangers to making record-breaking deals. Former quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley, defensive lineman Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey all made history with deals they signed as the Rams.
McDuffie, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract after being selected by the Chiefs in the first round of the 2022 draft. Former Anaheim Servite and Bellflower St. John Bosco big star was a 2023 All-Pro who helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowls.
The Rams are sending a first-round pick — the 29th overall — as well as fifth- and sixth-round picks from this year’s draft and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Chiefs in exchange for McDuffie.
The Rams have made several moves to retain and add players to a secondary that will be key next season and beyond for an organization that is all-in on playing in Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium next February.
The Rams extended safety Quentin Lake in January, traded for McDuffie and agreed to terms on an extension with safety Kam Curl.
The Rams placed cornerback Darious Williams on the reserve/retired list on Saturday.
Cornerbacks Cobie Durant, Roger McCreary, Ahkello Witherspoon and Derion Kendrick are pending free agents.
The negotiation period for unrestricted free agent representatives to speak with other teams begins Monday.
