The Dallas Cowboys have taken the lowkey, low-cost approach to free agency once again. The Cowboys aren't a team that will make big splashes during this time of the year.
They've acquired a couple of high-upside defenders, including CB Kaiir Elam. Dallas traded a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 seventh-rounder to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Elam and a 2025 sixth-rounder.
After three underwhelming seasons with the Bills, they believed it was time for a change. Elam was asked why things didn't work out in Buffalo and said he was put in the "back seat". The Florida product added he used everything as a learning lesson and is looking forward to his time with the Cowboys.
New Cowboys CB Kaiir Elam on why things didn't work out in Buffalo and his expectations going forward:
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 17, 2025
"Coming to Buffalo, I was a kid that just wanted to improve and learn and really show off my talents. But I was always put in the back seat. I continued to put my head down and…
Kaiir Elam Talked About His Time in Buffalo
Elam said, "Coming to Buffalo, I was a kid that just wanted to improve and learn and really show off my talents. But I was always put in the back seat. I continued to put my head down and work, continued to make plays throughout the season and in the playoffs and stuff like that.... I really just see it as a growing opportunity for me to go shine somewhere else."
"It was a blessing and a privilege to be traded to the Cowboys. The big market and the tradition here is something that I'm in love with right now. Being able to just go prove myself and help this team win, that's all I'm committed to right now."Kaiir Elam
That's the exact type of mindset fans and members of the organization want to hear. Elam was selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was never able to find his footing over there.
Over three seasons with Buffalo, he played in 29 games (12 starts). Elam has compiled 81 total tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions. He has the physical tools to be an effective defender but he needs to put everything together.
He's thrilled to be in Dallas and will get the chance to show why he was a first-round pick. Things didn't work with the Bills, but that doesn't mean they won't in Dallas. Elam is taking all the lessons he learned from Buffalo and seeks to make the proper changes going forward.
For his and Dallas's sake, hopefully, he can turn into a reliable player in the secondary.