erry Jones speaks during a Dallas Cowboys news conference.LAPRESSE

The Dallas Cowboys are making roster decisions that signal a changing landscape in their secondary, officially declining the fifth-year option for cornerback Kaiir Elam.

The move, though unsurprising, leaves Elam set to become a free agent in 2026 rather than being locked into a $12.7 million salary for that season.

 

Elam arrived in Dallas via a trade from the Buffalo Bills earlier this offseason after a Jerry Jones decision, but his time in Buffalo was marked by inconsistency.

A former first-round pick in 2022, Elam played just 29 of a possible 51 regular-season games, starting only 12.

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He struggled to solidify a role with the Bills, often finding himself behind Christian Benford, Rasul Douglas, and Dane Jackson in the depth chart.

His limited playing time saw him log just 939 defensive snaps before the Bills opted to part ways.

A second chance for Elam

The Cowboys acquired Elam in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-rounder, while also receiving a 2025 sixth-round pick from Buffalo.

The move came at a time when Dallas’ secondary was dealing with significant losses, most notably, Trevon Diggs’ absence due to bone graft surgery on his left knee, which will sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2025 season.

Additionally, slot corner Jourdan Lewis left for Jacksonville, thinning the Cowboys’ defensive rotation. Elam now has a fresh opportunity to revitalize his career with the Cowboys.

Despite his struggles in Buffalo, his physical attributes and experience as a former first-round pick still make him a potential asset for Dallas.

With Diggs out and the secondary seeking stability, Elam could see substantial playing time, giving him a chance to prove his worth before hitting free agency.

His performance in 2025 will be pivotal, whether he becomes a reliable piece in Dan Quinn’s defense or remains a rotational player looking for his next team.