Latest news with #KaiirElam
Fox Sports
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Cowboys CB Kaiir Elam: 'The energy here is something I've never been a part of'
Former Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam was one of a handful of players whom the Dallas Cowboys added in trades this offseason (wide receiver George Pickens and quarterback Joe Milton were among the team's other acquisitions), and the 2022 first-round draft pick feels "blessed" to be in Dallas. "I feel like the energy here [in Dallas] is something I've never been a part of," Elam said, according to the Cowboys' team website. "I love the enthusiasm, and also I would just say the energy from the coaching staff, they actually make you feel like they care, and that's something that's very exciting." Dallas acquired Elam in March, sending Buffalo the No. 170 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and a 2026 seventh-rounder for the cornerback and a 2025 sixth-rounder. Elam had bounced in and out of Buffalo's lineup over his three years with the franchise, partially due to an ankle injury and occasionally due to performance. Last season, Elam totaled two passes defended, one fumble recovery amid 26 combined tackles in 13 regular-season games. That said, Elam ranked 18th among cornerbacks in pass-rush grade (76.6), 35th in run-defense grade (75.6), 47th in overall grade (70.2) and 69th in coverage grade (67.0), according to Pro Football Focus. He also had two interceptions in his 2022 rookie campaign. As for the adjustment to playing for Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Elam said that it has been "a pretty smooth transition." "All aspects of the game, just playing the game before the game is even played. Being able to eliminate routes and also expect what's coming so you don't have to play with your full athleticism, you can play with your mind first," Elam said about what he has picked up on mentally since joining the Cowboys. Eberflus is in his first season as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator after being the head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2022-24; Dallas moved on from head coach Mike McCarthy after a 7-10 season in favor of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who hired Eberflus to be his defensive coordinator. Elam joins a Cowboys cornerback room that includes two-time Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, who had nine interceptions and five pick-sixes in 2023, among others. Their defense surrendered 218.1 passing yards per game last season, which was 17th in the NFL. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Dallas Cowboys Buffalo Bills Kaiir Elam recommended Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys Make Trade Then Major Contract Decision on New Starter
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys have concluded their major talent acquisition periods of the offseason. Multiple additions from the draft, free agency and through trade are set to compete for positioning on the depth chart starting in the coming weeks. On the subject of trades, the Cowboys usually draw unnecessary headlines or make confounding decisions with those moves. Dallas had one that flew under the radar, bringing in Kaiir Elam from the Buffalo Bills. Advertisement Elam, the son of former Cowboys' safety Abram Elam, hopes to replenish a secondary that has some questions heading into 2025. The Cowboys lost defensive glue guy Jourdan Lewis to free agency and the injury situation around Trevon Diggs has spiraled into a matter frustrating for both the player and his team. The three-year pro last intercepted a pass in 2022, having allowed a passer rating of over 100.0 in his limited action the past two seasons. This makes for a classic Cowboys' attempt at reviving a young player. But Dallas has taken a stance this week that will make him earn it. The Cowboys will not be picking up the fifth-year option from his rookie contract. ... meaning the former Bills first-round pick will miss out on the opportunity to pocket about $12.7 million for playing in 2026. Advertisement Instead, Elam might be a starter this year ... and a free agent a year from now. Based on his recent track record, that decision unfortunately makes sense from the franchise perspective. There is simply no reason for the Cowboys to commit to Elam at this point. With Lewis gone and Diggs' availability uncertain, Elam will have the opportunity to make an impression in the Cowboys' secondary. . For Elam, his fourth-year campaign will be all about translating that work ethic into results on the field. Related: Cowboys Blue Stakes Claim To Home-Run Role with Dak Related: Eagles Just Drafted Micah Parsons 2.0
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bills Top Rookie Offers Good News Scouting Report in Camp
When the Buffalo Bills drafted Dorian Strong in the sixth round out of Virginia Tech two weeks ago, the team was hoping he could be another late-round steal that the team has become accustomed to enjoying. Back in 2022, the Bills drafted Christian Benford in the sixth round after already having selected Kaiir Elam with their first round pick in that same draft. Benford ended up being the better player, and worthy of a long-term extension this offseason. Advertisement Could the Bills be going through that again? Unlike Elam was back in his rookie year, 30th overall pick Maxwell Hairston is welcoming the challenge of a late-round contender in Strong. While speaking with the media, Hairston offered a scouting report of sorts on camp and said fellow cornerback Dorian Strong had a good day during Bills rookie camp, while also adding the two will "lean on each other and help each other get through this process." "Dorian Strong had a really good day today, just being somebody that, you know, I'm taking mental reps when I watch D. Strong. Seeing him go out there and play with poise and play like he's already adjusted, that was good to see." Advertisement Healthy competition is always important in the NFL. It separates the great teams from the mediocre and can help crown champions early on in the season. For the Bills, more competition means a better defense moving forward. And a chance to finally put an end to the Kansas City Chiefs' run of excellence in the conference. Related: Bills Sign Rookie With Maxx Crosby Role Model Goal Related: Bills 'Lethal Pairing' Key To Super Bowl Success?
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bills 1st-Round Pick Gets Sad Reality Check from Cowboys
The Buffalo Bills' recently traded cornerback Kaiir Elam to the Dallas Cowboys in a true give-away. Buffalo sent a 2025 sixth-round draft pick to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 seventh-rounder. Do the math on this and contrary to omne critic's take, nobody is "fleecing'' anybody. Advertisement These were pennies being exchanged. But now Bills Mafia gets to turn its attention to Dallas one more time. Elam, the former first-round pick from 2022, never caught on in Buffalo and could not crack the permanent starting lineup here. Dallas might be desperate enough, especially with Trevon Diggs still rehabbing and unlikely to start the season on the 53-man roster, to change Elam's status as a first-teamer. But this week, a statement was made. Not an insult. Just a statement. Elam, a star at the University of Florida, whose greatness has yet to translate to the professional game, was eligible this week to have his fifth-year option picked up. When a team does so, it's a sign. ... Advertisement A financial commitment and a sign of faith. Dallas, not surprisingly, passed on that opportunity - a sad reality check for a first-round pick from Buffalo. Elam in his rookie year made six starts and gathered two interceptions. But ... Things only went downhill from there. Elam tore a ligament in this ankle prior to start of his second season in Buffalo. He tried to play through the injury, but seemed to hurt the ankle worse by running on it and ended up on injured reserve. He only played in three games that season. Unfortunately for Elam, he was replaced by Christian Benford, who went on to play well and earn a lucrative extension. Advertisement In 2024 the Bills suffered an injury in the secondary when Tre'Davious White went down with an injury. Coach Sean McDermott tried to use Elam in his stead and things again just did not work out. Elam was on the field for only 35 percent of the snaps. That is when his future in Buffalo was soured. Elam, still just 23, will likely be a one-year rental in Dallas unless he somehow proves to be an incredible revelation ... which is possible, of course. But the fact is, the Bills gave up on Elam in 2025... and now the Cowboys are giving up a chance to keep him in 2026. Related: Bills Mafia's Favorite Movie 'Sinners' Crushes At The Box Office
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Updated 2025 Cowboys Draft Tracker: All of Dallas' picks in one place
The NFL draft has finally arrived, landing in the hallowed halls of Lambeau Field in Green Bay. While Wisconsin might not normally be a premiere vacation destination for many, they've landed the biggest NFL event this side of the Super Bowl for 2025. The Dallas Cowboys' contingent is back at home, nestled in neatly at their offices at The Star in Frisco, getting their refreshments in order for three days in the War Room. As it stands now, the Cowboys have 10 picks in all, with one on Thursday, two on Friday and then another seven on Saturday. Here's a look at the team's full compliment of picks, that will be updated as trades happen or selections are made. Advertisement Here's a look at the Cowboys' full haul. 1st Round (12) - 12th 2nd Round (12) - 44th 3rd Round (12) - 76th *4th Round (12) - 114th - Traded to Carolina Panthers for WR Jonathan Mingo 5th Round (11) - 149th *5th Round Comp- 170th - Traded to Buffalo Bills for CB Kaiir Elam *5th Round Comp- 171st - Traded to New England for Joe Milton 5th Round Comp- 174th * 6th Round (12) - 188th - Traded to Tennessee Titans for Kenneth Murray 6th Round (28) - 204th - Acquired from Buffalo Bills 6th Round Comp - 211th *7th Round (1) - 217th - Acquired from New England Patriots Advertisement *7th Round (12) - 228th - Traded to Detroit Lions in 2024 *7th Round (23) - 239th - Acquired from Tennessee Titans *7th Round (1) - 247th - Acquired from Carolina Panthers Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans! This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Updated 2025 Cowboys Draft Tracker: All of Dallas' picks in one place
