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Cowboys Reportedly Not Picking Up Big Contract Option

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 1, 2025 4:17 PM ET

As expected, the Dallas Cowboys won't lock up a recent acquisition beyond 2025.

In March, Dallas sent a fifth- and sixth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for Kaiir Elam and a sixth. The Bills jettisoned the former No. 23 overall pick after three underwhelming seasons.

Following the move, the rights to Elam's fifth-year option transferred to Dallas. If exercised before Thursday's deadline, the Cowboys would have paid the cornerback $12.7 million in 2026.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys will decline the option.

It's a reasonable decision, as Elam's production hasn't warranted such a lofty investment. He started 12 games for Buffalo and recorded his last interception two years ago in a first-round playoff win over the Miami Dolphins.

According to Pro Football Reference, Elam has allowed a 70.3 completion percentage and 100.0 opposing passer rating as the primary defender in coverage. Yet Pro Football Focus gave him an improved grade of 70.2 (47th among qualifying cornerbacks) last season.

Elam was a healthy scratch for six of Buffalo's final 10 games, including two playoff victories over the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens. Even with fellow cornerback Rasul Douglas hitting free agency, the Bills sent Elam to Dallas for a relatively light return.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 26: Cornerback Kaiir Elam #5 of the Buffalo Bills gets set during the first half of the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Following the trade, Bills general manager Brandon Beane took responsibility for a pick that didn't pan out.

"Ultimately, it's on me," Beane said. "I made the selection that didn't work out, and I own that. You don't want those to happen, but man, I'm rooting for Kaiir. I really am."

When discussing Elam in trade negotiations, Beane told other teams they'd be acquiring "a great young man." He praised the 23-year-old's work ethic and hopes a fresh start will help Elam.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys took a buy-low gamble on Elam to bolster a secondary that lost star slot corner Jourdan Lewis in free agency. Elam could fill the vacated nickel role alongside All-Pro defenders Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland.

Despite taking that chance, it didn't make much sense for Dallas to commit to Elam for an elevated cost in 2026. He'll instead have an opportunity to improve his value before hitting the open market next offseason.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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