Free agent targets that could reshape NFL teams this season
USAT’s NFL analysts are analyzing top NFL free agent options, including Jaylan Phillips and Tyler Linderbaum, during a pivotal offseason for teams.
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Four days after being traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Los Angeles Rams, Trent McDuffie is even more certain about his future.
McDuffie and the Rams agreed to a four-year, $124 million contract extension on Sunday, making the cornerback the highest-paid player at the position in league history, according to multiple reports.
His average annual value of $31 million is well above the previous record of $30.1 million set by Sauce Gardner last summer, when the Indianapolis Colts cornerback was still with the New York Jets.
McDuffie’s contract also reportedly includes $100 million guaranteed, more than $10 million more than the next closest player, Derek Stingley Jr. of the Houston Texans ($89 million).
In exchange for McDuffie, the Rams sent four draft picks to the Chiefs, including this year’s 29th overall pick. The exchange won’t become official until the new league year begins Wednesday.
McDuffie, a 2023 All-Pro selection, was widely expected to sign an extension with the Rams after news of the trade broke. The 2022 first-round pick was set to play on his fifth-year option for $13.63 million.
In Los Angeles, McDuffie will be counted on to shore up the most glaring weaknesses on a team where general manager Les Snead looks to make the most of his remaining time with reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford. Los Angeles’ pass defense fell apart, finishing the year ranked 22nd in passing yards per game (225.6).
