Report: Kaiir Elam Traded to Cowboys from Bills; Teams Swap NFL Draft Picks

The Dallas Cowboys are adding a former first-round pick at cornerback.

The Cowboys reportedly acquired Kaiir Elam from the Bills in exchange for draft compensation, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The Bills reportedly received fifth-round and seventh-round picks while giving up a sixth-round pick.

Elam has one year remaining on his rookie deal with a club option for 2026. He recorded 26 tackles and two passes defended in 13 games for the Bills last season.

The Bills, who are one of the most cap-restrained teams in the NFL since signing Josh Allen's historic contract, will save $2.5 million in cap space by moving out Elam's guaranteed salary.

The Bills originally traded up in the first round of the 2022 draft to draft Elam out of Florida with the No. 23 pick.

At the time, general manager Brandon Beane said the move up the draft board was because the cornerback position was "definitely one that we wanted to add depth."

Elam never ended up settling into a regular starting position in Buffalo. According to The 33rd Team, he has been one of the least effective cornerbacks in terms of pass breakups since entering the NFL.

Elam leaves Buffalo having recorded 26 total tackles in 29 appearances and 12 starts. In five playoff appearances, he added 14 tackles.

The Cowboys will hope a fresh start in Dallas will allow Elam to revamp his career. He will likely be competing with Caelen Carson, a 2024 fifth-round pick, for the chance to play with DaRon Bland next season.

Trevon Diggs will rejoin Bland when healthy, but the two-time Pro Bowler underwent knee surgery in January and could miss at least part of next season. Adding Elam gives the Cowboys some additional insurance at the position as the team waits for Diggs' return.