The Dallas Cowboys traded for cornerback from the Buffalo Bills, bolstering their secondary as Buffalo moved on from its 2022 first-round pick.
In exchange, the Bills received a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-rounder while sending a 2025 sixth-round selection to Dallas.
Top star joins a Cowboys cornerback group led by Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, though Diggs’ availability for the start of the season remains uncertain as he recovers from his second major knee surgery in two years.
Dallas also lost veteran nickel cornerback Jourdan Lewis in free agency, as he signed with Jacksonville after spending eight seasons with the Cowboys.
Depending on how Dallas approaches the draft, second-year corner Caelen Carson could step into a starting role if Trevon Diggs isn’t ready for Week 1. Other options include Andrew Booth, acquired in a preseason trade last year, and Josh Butler.
Elam, now 23, was drafted 23rd overall by Buffalo but struggled to secure a consistent role. He started six games as a rookie before being surpassed on the depth chart by sixth-round pick Christian Benford.
A lingering injury limited Elam to just three games in 2023, and even when healthy, his playing time was inconsistent. He started four games in 13 appearances but was also a healthy scratch four times.
Elam’s struggles were especially evident in the AFC Championship Game, where he was forced into action after Christian Benford left early with a concussion. In Buffalo’s 32-29 loss to Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs repeatedly exploited Elam in coverage.
Over 29 games with the Bills, including 12 starts, Elam recorded six pass breakups but failed to register an interception.