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The Chiefs’ signing of former first-round cornerback Kaiir Elam aims to shore up their secondary through a cubist, geometric visual representation of defensive strategy.Kansas City Today
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed veteran cornerback Kaiir Elam, the former first-round pick who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2022. Elam has played for the Bills, Dallas Cowboys, and Tennessee Titans over the past three seasons, tallying 114 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 fumble recoveries in 43 games (19 starts).
Why it matters
The Chiefs are looking to bolster their secondary after losing both starting cornerbacks this offseason, trading Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams and seeing Jaylen Watson sign with the Rams in free agency. Elam, a former first-round pick, brings valuable experience and playmaking ability to the Chiefs’ defensive backfield.
The details
Elam, 24, was drafted 23rd overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2022 and spent the first two seasons of his career there. He then had brief stints with the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans in 2025 before joining the Chiefs. The terms of Elam’s new deal with Kansas City were not disclosed.
Elam was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2022.Elam played for the Bills from 2022-2024.Elam played for the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans in 2025.
The players
Kaiir Elam
A 24-year-old cornerback who was a first-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2022. He has since played for the Cowboys and Titans before signing with the Chiefs.
Trent McDuffie
A cornerback who was traded by the Chiefs to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason.
Jaylen Watson
A cornerback who signed with the Los Angeles Rams in free agency after playing for the Chiefs.
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What they’re saying
“We’re excited to add Kaiir to our secondary. He’s a talented young player who will help us replace the production we lost in the offseason.”
— Brett Veach, Chiefs General Manager
What’s next
The Chiefs will look to integrate Elam into their defensive backfield during the offseason program and training camp as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.
The takeaway
The Chiefs are making a savvy move to sign a former first-round cornerback in Kaiir Elam, who has shown promise in his first few NFL seasons. This signing helps address a key need in their secondary after losing two starters, and Elam has the potential to develop into a long-term solution at the position for Kansas City.