Titans Lose Former First-Round CB to Chiefs

Cornerback Kaiir Elam signs with Kansas City after brief stint in Tennessee.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into overlapping planes of muted earth tones.The Titans' loss of cornerback Kaiir Elam to the Chiefs highlights the constant roster churn in the NFL.Kansas City Today

The Tennessee Titans have lost another former player, as cornerback Kaiir Elam has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Elam was a first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2022 and has since spent time with the Bills, Dallas Cowboys, and Titans. He played in four games for the Titans last season, recording 33 total tackles and two fumble recoveries.

Why it matters

The Titans have seen a number of their former players sign with other teams this offseason, which could impact their defensive depth and secondary heading into the 2026 season. Elam's move to the Chiefs also adds another talented cornerback to a Kansas City team that already has Trent McDuffie, who was drafted one spot ahead of Elam in 2022.

The details

Elam entered the league as a first-round pick (23rd overall) of the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Florida. He has since spent time with the Bills, Cowboys, and Titans, playing in 39 games (19 starts) and accumulating 110 tackles and two interceptions. After being traded from the Bills to the Cowboys during the offseason, Elam played 460 snaps before being released. He signed with the Titans in November 2025 and played in four games, recording 33 total tackles and two fumble recoveries.

  • Elam was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
  • Elam was traded from the Bills to the Dallas Cowboys during the 2025 offseason.
  • Elam signed with the Tennessee Titans in November 2025.
  • Elam played in four games for the Titans in the 2025 season.
  • Elam signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on April 3, 2026.

The players

Kaiir Elam

A cornerback who was a first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 NFL Draft and has since spent time with the Bills, Cowboys, and Titans.

Trent McDuffie

A cornerback drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, one spot ahead of Kaiir Elam.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Kaiir Elam is a talented cornerback who has struggled to find a consistent home in the NFL so far. The Chiefs are hoping he can find his footing in Kansas City and provide depth in their secondary.”

— NFL Analyst

The takeaway

The Titans' defensive depth continues to be tested this offseason, as they lose another former high draft pick to a division rival. Elam's move to the Chiefs adds another talented cornerback to a Kansas City team that is always looking to improve its secondary.