Chiefs Sign Defensive Back Kaiir Elam

Former first-round pick joins Kansas City secondary after stints with Cowboys and Titans.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:24pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a defensive back in mid-motion, with their body and the football broken down into overlapping angular shapes, conveying the dynamic energy of professional football.A cubist interpretation of a defensive back's game-changing play captures the fractured, high-intensity action of the NFL.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed defensive back Kaiir Elam, a former first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills, to provide depth in their secondary. Elam has struggled to live up to expectations in his first four NFL seasons, splitting time between the Cowboys and Titans in 2022.

Why it matters

The Chiefs traded away 2023 All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and lost fellow starter Jaylen Watson in free agency, leaving them with a need for reinforcements in the defensive backfield. Elam's addition provides an opportunity for the 24-year-old to revive his career in Kansas City.

The details

Elam was the 23rd overall pick of the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 NFL Draft after a standout college career at Florida. In his first four professional seasons, he has recorded 114 tackles, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries in 19 starts and 43 total games.

  • Elam signed with the Chiefs on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Kaiir Elam

A 24-year-old defensive back who was a first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2022 and has since spent time with the Cowboys and Titans.

Trent McDuffie

A 2023 All-Pro cornerback who was traded away by the Chiefs this offseason.

Jaylen Watson

A starting cornerback for the Chiefs who left the team in free agency this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to add Kaiir to our secondary and give him a fresh start here in Kansas City. He has the talent and potential to be a difference-maker for us.”

— Brett Veach, Chiefs General Manager

The takeaway

The Chiefs are looking to reload their defensive backfield after losing key starters, and Kaiir Elam represents a low-risk, high-upside addition as the former first-round pick aims to revive his career in Kansas City.