The Dallas Cowboys brought in defensive back Kaiir Elam to strengthen their secondary following some key offseason losses, but he will need to prove himself at The Star after the team decided against picking up his rookie contract’s fifth-year option.
Elam, the son of former Cowboys safety Abram Elam, was acquired from the Buffalo Bills in a low-key move. As the Cowboys enter 2025, they face some questions in their secondary. With Jourdan Lewis leaving in free agency and Trevon Diggs’ injury situation lingering, Dallas is hoping Elam can step up and provide stability.
A former first-round pick, Elam has struggled in recent seasons, with his last interception coming in 2022. His limited action has seen him give up a passer rating of over 100.0. These factors reflect the Cowboys’ usual strategy of taking a chance on reviving a young player with potential.
However, the Cowboys made it clear this week that Elam will have to earn his place. They chose not to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, meaning Elam won’t receive the $12.7 million he could have earned in 2026. As a result, Elam could start for Dallas this season, but he will become a free agent in a year if he doesn’t prove himself.
Given Elam’s recent performance, the Cowboys’ decision to delay any long-term commitment makes sense. With Lewis gone and Diggs’ future uncertain, Elam has a clear path to make a lasting impact in the Cowboys’ secondary. For Elam, the 2025 season will be crucial to turn his potential into on-field success.
