The Buffalo Bills made a significant move when they traded up in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to select cornerback Kaiir Elam. However, the investment didn’t pay off as expected. Elam struggled to find consistency, gradually slipping down the depth chart before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys last week. In his first comments since the trade, Elam seemed to throw some shade at his time in Buffalo.
Elam’s Criticism of Buffalo
Speaking to reporters in Dallas after his March 12 trade, Elam opened up about his experience with the Bills. Buffalo had high expectations when they selected the Florida cornerback, hoping he could step into a starting role while All-Pro Tre’Davious White recovered from a torn ACL. Elam did earn a starting spot early on but struggled with inconsistent performances, eventually losing his place to fellow rookie Christian Benford.
Reflecting on his time with the Bills, Elam suggested he wasn’t given a fair chance.
“When I came to Buffalo, I was just a kid eager to improve and show my skills, but I was always put in the backseat,” Elam said, according to Syracuse.com. “I kept working hard, making plays throughout the season and the playoffs. I just took everything I learned and the challenges I faced and used them as motivation to grow. I don’t see it as negative—just an opportunity to shine somewhere else.”
Elam had some bright moments with the Bills, including key interceptions in wild-card playoff victories over the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 and 2023. However, his struggles continued, particularly in the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs when he filled in for Benford, who was sidelined with a concussion.
A New Direction at Cornerback for Buffalo
As Elam moves on to Dallas, the Bills are shifting their focus at cornerback. Benford, who overtook Elam for a starting role, is reportedly one of the Bills’ top priorities for a contract extension. According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, Benford’s extension is expected to be a major focus this offseason.
“With wide receiver Khalil Shakir now locked in for the long term, Benford is the Bills’ most compelling case for an extension,” Buscaglia wrote. “When they drafted him in 2022, Benford wasn’t expected to be their top cornerback this quickly, but he’s far exceeded expectations and become one of the team’s most important players in a critical position.”
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