The Buffalo Bills made a significant investment in their secondary by selecting cornerback Kaiir Elam in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, the young defensive back may already be on his way out. According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, Elam could be one of the most likely trade candidates early this NFL season. Elam, once seen as a cornerstone for the Bills’ secondary, has fallen down the team’s depth chart, raising questions about his future in Buffalo.
Knox’s analysis points to Elam’s declining role on the defense as a key reason why the Bills might consider moving on from him. Though he started 13 games during his rookie season, his impact drastically diminished last year, with Elam appearing in just three games. In the Bills’ season opener this year, Elam saw no defensive snaps, despite the team’s struggles against the Arizona Cardinals. His only contribution came on special teams, suggesting that his role in 2024 may be limited.
This lack of playing time could be seen as a clear sign that Buffalo is looking in a different direction. As Knox wrote, “The Bills might want to move off of cornerback and 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam while he still has some trade value.” The former Florida Gator, once touted as a rising defensive star, now finds himself competing for a spot that might not even be available.
Despite his underwhelming performance in Buffalo, Elam could still generate trade interest across the league. Knox suggested that teams like the Los Angeles Rams or the Washington Commanders might take a chance on the young cornerback. The Rams, in particular, are dealing with the season-ending loss of cornerback Derion Kendrick to a torn ACL and may be searching for depth in the secondary.
While Elam hasn’t developed into the star Buffalo had hoped for, he still holds value. Ranked as Bleacher Report’s No. 14 overall prospect heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, there’s a belief that Elam has untapped potential that could flourish in a new system.
Interestingly, Elam’s rookie counterpart, Christian Benford, a sixth-round pick in the same draft, has emerged as a starter for the Bills and even recorded an interception in Thursday’s win over the Miami Dolphins. Benford’s rise has only compounded Elam’s slide down the depth chart, leaving him in a precarious position moving forward.
In the Bills’ secondary, injuries could also play a factor. Nickel cornerback Taron Johnson was ruled out for Buffalo’s Week 2 win against Miami, and head coach Sean McDermott hinted that Johnson could miss more time. This leaves the Bills somewhat vulnerable, and depth may become a priority. However, even with Johnson out, Elam still saw limited defensive action, while Ja’Marcus Ingram, a practice squad player, stepped up with two interceptions, including a touchdown.
Buffalo is a team with Super Bowl aspirations, and every roster decision is critical. While Elam has the talent, it appears his future may lie elsewhere. Whether the Bills ultimately decide to move on from him could depend on whether a trade partner sees the upside that Buffalo originally envisioned when they drafted him in 2022. For now, the clock is ticking on Kaiir Elam’s time in Buffalo.
