Former Bills Cornerback Kaiir Elam Criticizes Team After Trade to Cowboys
The Buffalo Bills once had high hopes for Kaiir Elam, trading up in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to select him. However, the investment didn’t pan out as expected. Elam struggled with inconsistency, fell down the depth chart, and was ultimately traded to the Dallas Cowboys last week. Now, in his first comments since the move, Elam appears to be taking a subtle shot at his former team.
Elam Reflects on His Time in Buffalo
Speaking to reporters in Dallas on March 12, Elam expressed frustration over how he was utilized in Buffalo, suggesting he wasn’t given a fair opportunity to succeed.
“I came to Buffalo as a young player eager to improve and showcase my talent, but I was always pushed to the back seat,” Elam said, per Syracuse.com. “I kept my head down, worked hard, and made plays throughout the season and playoffs. I don’t see it as a negative—I see it as a learning experience and an opportunity to shine elsewhere.”
Despite struggling at times, Elam had some notable moments with the Bills, including key interceptions in the 2022 and 2023 wild-card playoff games against the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, his performance in the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs this past season was rocky, as he was thrust into action following an injury to Christian Benford and struggled in coverage.
Elam’s Fit in Buffalo Questioned
Elam’s tenure with the Bills also raised questions about the team’s draft strategy. A man-to-man coverage specialist, he was seen as an odd fit for Buffalo’s zone-heavy defensive scheme. The misalignment in playing style may have contributed to his struggles and eventual departure.
Bills Shift Focus to Christian Benford
With Elam now in Dallas, the Bills are turning their attention to securing Benford long-term. According to The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia, the team views a contract extension for Benford as a top priority this offseason.
“Benford wasn’t expected to be the team’s No. 1 cornerback when they drafted him in 2022, but he has exceeded expectations and become one of Buffalo’s top players at a crucial position,” Buscaglia wrote.
As the Bills move forward with Benford, Elam will look to revive his career with the Cowboys, where he hopes to finally get the opportunity he felt was missing in Buffalo.
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