Just days after being traded from the Kansas City Chiefs, cornerback Trent McDuffie has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Rams, worth $124 million with $100 million guaranteed. At 25 years old, McDuffie’s deal now makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, establishing a new benchmark for his position.
Baker Mayfield’s Contract Situation Remains Unresolved
While McDuffie’s new contract is a milestone, it worsens the position of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is still awaiting a pay raise from his team. To highlight the disparity, McDuffie’s guaranteed amount matches the total value of Mayfield’s current deal. Despite leading Tampa Bay to consecutive division titles and throwing for over 4,000 yards each season, Mayfield has yet to receive an extension offer.
Mayfield’s Ranking Among NFL Quarterbacks Continues to Slide
The Buccaneers’ hesitation to negotiate a new contract for Mayfield has contributed to his drop to 17th place in overall contract value among active NFL quarterbacks. With an average annual salary of $33.33 million, he anticipates becoming a free agent in 2027, a moment he likely views as critical given his consistent performance. Although he remains paid higher than the top cornerbacks, including McDuffie, the gap between his compensation and peers like Matthew Stafford suggests some dissatisfaction.
Current Top-Earning Cornerbacks in the NFL
According to Adam Schefter’s March 9, 2026, report, the top cornerbacks by average yearly salary are:
🏈 Trent McDuffie: $31 million
🏈 Sauce Gardner: $30.1 million
🏈 Derek Stingley Jr.: $30 million
🏈 Jaycee Horn: $25 million
🏈 Jalen Ramsey: $24.1 million
🏈 Patrick Surtain: $24 million
“The highest-paid CBs in the NFL on a per-year basis are now: 🏈Trent McDuffie: $31M 🏈Sauce Gardner: $30.1M 🏈Derek Stingley Jr.: $30M 🏈Jaycee Horn: $25M 🏈Jalen Ramsey: $24.1M 🏈Patrick Surtain: $24M” — Adam Schefter
Factors Behind Tampa Bay’s Reluctance to Extend Mayfield
Despite Mayfield’s crucial role in the Buccaneers’ success, the franchise appears unwilling to offer him top-15 quarterback compensation. This may stem from a belief that his performance does not justify such a raise or from constraints related to the team’s salary cap over recent years. The uncertainty leaves Mayfield in a difficult position as he continues to await a more lucrative deal.
McDuffie’s Rise Highlights an Unusual Salary Dynamic in the NFC South
As McDuffie enters his fifth NFL season, he now earns more than any quarterback in the NFC South, including Mayfield. It is uncommon for a cornerback to outpace a starting quarterback in salary, underscoring the exceptional level of talent McDuffie brings to the field. His contract serves as an indicator of his high value in professional football.
Chiefs Receive Multiple Draft Picks for McDuffie, But Losing a Key Defender
Although the Kansas City Chiefs acquired four draft selections in exchange for McDuffie—including the 29th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—the task of replacing a player of his caliber is formidable. McDuffie’s production and skill are rare commodities, making it uncertain if the Chiefs can find an equivalent in the near future. Ultimately, while Kansas City recouped assets, the pressure now mounts on Mayfield, who remains without a timely contract resolution.
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/2030796912983486922
