Risky Roster Change Awaits Bills for Former First-Round Select

Buffalo Bills are getting healthier on defense, and that means they will confront a significant — and potentially risky — roster decision on cornerback Kaiir Elam.

Elam had struggled with inconsistent play early in the season, culminating in a healthy scratch in a game against the New England Patriots. Bills head coach Sean McDermott revealed afterward that Elam had been dealing with a “nagging ankle” injury, which led to his placement on injured reserve in November. This move allowed the Bills to sign veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph.

Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 reported that Elam’s practice window had been opened by the Bills earlier in the month, which meant the team would soon have to make a decision regarding his future.

Kaiir Elam’s 21-day practice window closes today. The Bills will have until 4 PM ET tomorrow/Wednesday to activate him to the 53-man roster or have him stay on IR for the remainder of the season. This is the last day, as reported by Capaccio on December 26, to decide whether Elam would return for the last stretch of the season or be shut down.

Due to a lack of roster space, Capaccio reported that the Bills may activate Elam and then release him with the intention of signing him back to the practice squad. However, this would be a risky move as he believed the second-year cornerback would be “highly unlikely” to pass waivers without being claimed by another team. The Bills also have other roster decisions to make, including whether or not to bring defensive tackle DaQuan Jones back.

Kaiir Elam Continued to Be Certain Despite his struggles, Elam had high expectations when he joined the Bills in the first round of 2022 after the team traded up to acquire him. After All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White completed his recovery from an ACL tear, Elam was expected to step in. However, he started six games until Christian Benford, a rookie, took his place.

Elam was the subject of trade rumors around this season’s trade deadline as he struggled in his second season and saw his role on the squad diminish. In an interview with The Buffalo News, Elam talked about his difficulties and said that, despite being benched, he still believed in the team and in himself.