FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys made their first move of the 2025 offseason by agreeing to a trade deal with the Buffalo Bills. The Cowboys will be acquiring cornerback Kaiir Elam and a 2025 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Elam, 24, has played for the Buffalo Bills for the past three seasons, starting in 12 games for the team. In the 2024 season, Elam participated in 13 games, starting in four, and recorded 26 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and two pass deflections.
Despite missing most of the previous season due to an ankle injury, Elam managed to play in three regular-season games as well as both of Buffalo’s playoff games. During his rookie season, he started in six games, accumulating 41 tackles, six pass deflections, and three interceptions.
Selected as the 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Bills, Elam had a successful college career at the University of Florida. The Elam family has a history with the Cowboys, as Kaiir’s father, Abram, played safety for Dallas in 2006 and 2011, having spent eight seasons in the NFL with five different teams.
In addition to Elam, the Cowboys have recently added two other first-round picks to their roster for the upcoming season. Solomon Thomas, the third overall pick in the 2017 Draft, and Payton Turner, the 28th overall pick in the 2021 Draft, have also joined the team.
Elam’s arrival comes at a crucial time for the Cowboys, as cornerback Jourdan Lewis recently departed to join the Jacksonville Jaguars. With several injured players in the cornerback room, Elam’s addition brings depth and talent to the defensive lineup. This trade offers Elam an opportunity for a fresh start in Dallas as he looks to make a mark on the team.