Dallas Cowboys Cut Kaiir Elam After Failed Trade Gamble

The Dallas Cowboys have waived cornerback Kaiir Elam. The move comes just months after the team traded for the former first-round pick. This ends a brief and unsuccessful stint in Dallas for the young defender. The decision was made to activate running back Malik Davis to the roster.

According to ESPN, the Cowboys initially saw Elam as a potential reclamation project. His performance, however, did not meet expectations. The team’s confidence has now shifted to its younger defensive backs.

Trade Details and Swift Decline in Playing Time

Dallas acquired Elam from the Buffalo Bills in March. They sent a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-rounder to Buffalo. In return, they got Elam and a 2025 sixth-round pick, used on lineman Ajani Cornelius.

Elam started the season as a key piece. He played every defensive snap in the first three games. His role shrank dramatically as other cornerbacks got healthy. He was a healthy scratch on defense against the Las Vegas Raiders.

His statistics reveal why the team moved on. Elam allowed a 112.6 passer rating when targeted. That ranks among the worst for cornerbacks with significant playing time. He also gave up 13.1 yards per reception.

Youth Movement Takes Priority in Cowboys Secondary

Releasing Elam signals strong belief in other players. Rookies Shavon Revel and Caelen Carson have shown promise. Revel impressed in his NFL debut with strong press coverage. Carson has played well since his own season debut.

The move is a clear lesson for the front office. Not every former high draft pick is salvageable. The team appears to be prioritizing recent performance over past pedigree. This could indicate a shift in how they evaluate talent.

The failed experiment with Kaiir Elam was a costly misstep. It wasted valuable draft capital on a player who couldn’t secure a role. The Cowboys must hope their current young corners continue to develop.

The Cowboys’ gamble on former first-round pick Kaiir Elam is officially over. His quick release shows the team’s willingness to admit a mistake and move on. This decision prioritizes performance over pedigree for Dallas.

Info at your fingertips

Why did the Cowboys trade for Kaiir Elam?

The Cowboys traded for Elam in March, viewing him as a low-cost, high-upside reclamation project. The team has a history of taking chances on former first-round picks, hoping to unlock their potential.

How did Kaiir Elam perform for Dallas?

Elam’s performance was poor. He allowed a high passer rating and yards per catch when targeted. His playing time plummeted from a starter’s role to being a healthy scratch within weeks.

Who will replace Elam in the secondary?

The Cowboys will rely more on rookies Shavon Revel and Caelen Carson. Both young corners have shown promising flashes and earned the coaching staff’s trust over the veteran Elam.

What was the cost of the failed trade?

Dallas gave up a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-rounder for Elam and a 2025 sixth-round pick. The net loss of draft capital makes this a unsuccessful transaction for the Cowboys.