When the Dallas Cowboys traded for Kaiir Elam this offseason, it felt like a move to improve the depth at the cornerback position. Elam was a former first-round pick by the Bills, but hardly played during the 2024 season as he was relegated to the bench. But the Cowboys clearly thought there was more meat on the bone, and that’s why they went out and acquired him via trade.
While the expectation was that Elam would be just a depth player in Dallas, that hasn’t been the case so far this offseason. In fact, you can make a case that he’s been their best defensive back. That’s how well this offseason is going for Elam and the Cowboys. And it eased a lot of concerns about the cornerback position going into the year.
If the season were to start today, Elam would be one of the team’s starting outside cornerbacks, and he has earned that right. In a recent article by John Machota of The Athletic, he made his list of the 10 most impressive players at training camp for the Cowboys.
"The March trade for Elam is looking like an outstanding move. He’s stood out most of all the team’s defensive backs, getting his hands on passes and causing turnovers. Elam looks locked into one of the starting CB spots. DaRon Bland is locked into another. There’s still a need for at least one more corner to step up. Elam has to produce in games, but so far he looks every bit of the player that Buffalo drafted 23rd in 2022," Machota wrote.
Kaiir Elam trade already looks like a steal for the Cowboys
Elam has managed to make a splash play in just about every practice to date, and he’s been one of their most consistent defensive backs.
A change in scheme could be the reason why Elam has more success in Dallas as Matt Eberflus uses more zone coverage, which wasn’t the case in Buffalo. And if the Cowboys can continue to rush the passer at a high rate, we could see Elam reach new heights in this defense.
At this point, it’s a lock that Elam will start Week 1 for the Cowboys at cornerback. And it sure feels like he will be one of the team’s starting cornerbacks even when Trevon Diggs returns to the lineup. That means Dallas will kick Daron Bland inside, which should give them three very talented cornerbacks to mix and match depending on the opponent.
And that should allow someone like Shavon Revel Jr. to take his time to return to the field and not feel rushed coming back from a torn ACL.
The Elam trade went under the radar this offseason, but it’s already proving to be one of the smartest decisions the front office made in 2025. Keep an eye out for Elam throughout camp and during the scrimmage with the Rams this week, as we should get another chance to see how he matches up with some top-end receivers, including Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.