The Dallas Cowboys have wrapped up the bulk of their offseason roster moves, but one under-the-radar trade is starting to draw attention—and not just for the player involved, but for what followed.
The Cowboys acquired cornerback Kaiir Elam from the Buffalo Bills, a move that flew largely under the radar compared to splashier signings and draft selections. Elam, the son of former Cowboys safety Abram Elam, joins a Dallas secondary that finds itself thin heading into the 2025 season.
Despite that, the Cowboys made a critical contract decision just days after the trade: they will not be picking up Elam’s fifth-year option, declining a $12.7 million commitment for the 2026 season.
A Gamble on Potential
Elam, a former first-round pick in 2022, has had a rocky start to his NFL career. After a promising rookie season, his production dipped, and his role with the Bills diminished. He hasn’t recorded an interception since 2022 and has allowed a passer rating over 100.0 in his last two seasons.
Still, Dallas sees value in the 23-year-old. With Jourdan Lewis gone in free agency and Trevon Diggs still recovering from injury, Elam will have every opportunity to compete for a starting spot in 2025.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best NFL Cornerbacks of All Time
Cowboys Trade: No Option, All Opportunity
By declining the fifth-year option, the Cowboys are signaling that this is a “prove-it” year for Elam. If he performs well, he could play himself into a major payday—either with Dallas or on the open market in 2026.
For the Cowboys, the move is a low-risk, high-upside play. If Elam fails to live up to expectations, they’re not locked into a large guaranteed contract. If he succeeds, they’ve added a starting-caliber corner at a bargain price.
Read More: The 18 Most Questionable Trades in Sports History
Secondary in Flux
Dallas’ secondary remains one of the team’s biggest question marks. While CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons headline a roster filled with star power, the defense’s ability to hold up in coverage could determine how far the team goes under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
With DaRon Bland and Stephon Gilmore expected to contribute, Elam may slide into a starting role if he impresses in camp. The Cowboys hope that a change of scenery, combined with a contract year, will unlock the potential that made Elam a first-round pick just three seasons ago.
The Cowboys are giving Kaiir Elam a clean slate and a clear shot at redemption. Whether he makes the most of it could define both his career and Dallas’ defensive outlook in 2025.
