Cincinnati Bengals eye Kaiir Elam following Cowboys release
The Cincinnati Bengals are poised to address a critical need in their secondary by pursuing former first-round cornerback Kaiir Elam. After a brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys, Elam was waived on Saturday, making him a potential target for teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield.
Elam’s Journey in the NFL
Elam’s path began with high expectations when he was selected 23rd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. The Bengals, who picked Dax Hill a few spots later at 31, had reportedly shown interest in Elam had he been available. Since entering the league, Elam has accumulated 110 tackles, defended seven passes, and recorded two interceptions across 44 games, including playoff appearances.
Despite his early promise, Elam has faced challenges adapting to the pro game. His time in Dallas was cut short, but there’s a significant upside to his skill set. At just 24 years old, he possesses the length and athleticism that can be advantageous in man coverage, a style that hasn’t been fully utilized in his career thus far.
A Cautionary Tale from Last Season
The Bengals are no strangers to the complexities of developing young cornerbacks. Last season, the Washington Commanders waived Emmanuel Forbes Jr., another former first-round pick, after struggles to find consistency in his performance. The Los Angeles Rams capitalized on that opportunity, and Forbes has since emerged as a vital component of their defense. This serves as a reminder that a change of scenery can sometimes rejuvenate a player’s career.
Current Needs for the Bengals
As the Bengals navigate the current season, they find themselves in a precarious position with Cam Taylor-Britt on injured reserve. Relying on untested options like Josh Newton, Marco Wilson, or shifting Dax Hill to play opposite DJ Turner may not be a sustainable strategy. The need for a reliable young cornerback is evident, and bringing in Elam could provide a fresh perspective and added depth to the roster.
Taking a chance on Elam represents a low-risk, high-reward proposition for the Bengals. With the team ranked ninth in waiver priority, there’s little reason not to pursue this opportunity. Elam could not only fill an immediate need but also become a long-term asset for a defense in search of young talent to build around.
As the Bengals assess their options, claiming Elam could be a strategic move that pays dividends on the field. This is a moment for the franchise to seize the opportunity and strengthen their secondary for the challenges ahead.
