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Dallas Cowboys Urged to Take Immediate Action After Concerning Trend Emerges

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 4:55 PM ET

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys pulled out a 40-37 overtime thriller against NFC East rival New York Giants in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season. After three quiet quarters, the game erupted in the fourth, with the teams combining for 41 points. Brandon Aubrey capped it off by drilling a 64-yard field goal as time expired to force overtime, then hit the game-winner as the clock ran out in OT to seal the win for Dallas.

The Cowboys' secondary was shorthanded against the Giants, with All-Pro cornerback Daron Bland and 2025 third-round pick Shavon Revel out with injuries. Alongside Trevon Diggs, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus had no choice but to start Kaiir Elam, who was acquired from the Buffalo Bills in the offseason via trade.

Giants quarterback Russell Wilson carved up the Dallas secondary, throwing for 450 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. While Trevon Diggs struggled to contain Malik Nabers, Wilson repeatedly targeted Kaiir Elam, attacking him downfield throughout the game, and with great success.

Elam impressed Cowboys fans in the preseason, but that play hasn’t carried over into the regular season. According to the Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris (via NFL Pro), Elam leads the NFL with 232 receiving yards allowed through two weeks heading into “Monday Night Football.”

"According to NFL Pro, Cowboys CB Kaiir Elam leads the NFL in receiving yards allowed (232) entering MNF," Harris wrote on X.

According to NFL Pro, Cowboys CB Kaiir Elam leads the NFL in receiving yards allowed (232) entering MNF.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) September 15, 2025

Many Cowboys fans took notice of Elam’s alarming stat and called for the team to make a move, with some even suggesting a reunion with former cornerback Stephon Gilmore. They took to social media to leave their thoughts.

"stephon gilmore is quite literally still a free agent!" one fan said.

"Why is he still employed @dallascowboys," asked another.

"Yeah cut him right now," wrote a third.

"He’s so bad. We need our guys back healthy and sign a FA," posted a fourth.

"Another reason I have pushed for Gilmore to be signed..." added a fifth.

"We desperately need defensive backs that can play good football Elam and Diggs got cooked all day," wrote a sixth.

Unless a move is made, the Cowboys will likely have to continue to start Elam in Week 3 when they hit the road to face Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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