In a not-so-surprising move aimed at bolstering their defensive lineup, the Dallas Cowboys have traded for a former first round pick to bolster their cornerback room.
Dallas sends a 2025 5th round pick and a 2026 7th round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for CB Kaiir Elam and a 2025 6th round pick.
The Cowboys were awarded three 5th round compensatory picks on Tuesday, and quickly used one to strengthen their secondary.
Buffalo’s 2022 1st round pick (23rd overall) joins the Cowboys roster and looks to strengthen the secondary ahead of the draft and the 2025 NFL season.
What Does This Mean For Kaiir Elam?
Elam, a highly-touted cornerback out of the University of Florida, was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Known for his athleticism, length, and ball skills, Elam quickly gained recognition as a promising young defensive back.
However, despite his potential, Elam’s time in Buffalo was marked by limited playing opportunities, with the Bills opting to play other cornerbacks in key situations.
Elam now gets a chance to prove his first round pedigree in a new environment. He was the fourth cornerback taken in the first round, and went one pick ahead of the Cowboys’ selection of OL Tyler Smith.
Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus’ zone scheme should cater to Elam’s best traits, and working opposite of All-Pro DaRon Bland should boost his confidence.
What Does This Mean For the Cowboys?
For the Cowboys, this trade presents an opportunity to capitalize on Elam’s raw talent and high ceiling.
While he hasn’t been a full-time starter in Buffalo, his potential cannot be denied, and the Cowboys’ coaching staff will do their best to bring that potential to the surface.
The Cowboys’ defense was one of the most opportunistic in the league for a few years under DC Dan Quinn, but defensive production fell off a cliff in 2024.
All-Pro Trevon Diggs is unlikely to be healthy for the start of the season and Jourdan Lewis accepted a rich contract offer from Jacksonville. Elam will compete with other young cornerbacks on the roster for the chance to start in Week 1.
By no means do I feel like the Cowboys should sit back and think they’ve solved their problem at cornerback, but this is also a solid move to shore up the position before the draft.
The Cowboys don’t like to be pigeon-holed into taking a certain position in the draft.
They usually fill these spots with veterans on a minimum salary, but in this case, they have the upside of a young player who can live up to his first round status.
This trade for Kaiir Elam is a strategic move that could pay off in the short and long term. With his athleticism and potential, Elam could emerge as a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense.