Kaiir Elam more motivated than ever for fresh start with Cowboys

Kaiir Elam looks to cement himself as a starter for the Dallas Cowboys, saying no one will outwork him.

Bills defensive back Kaiir Elam puts in the extra work with drills after practice on day seven. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK

Searching for depth at cornerback, the Dallas Cowboys took a flier on Kaiir Elam.

A former first-round pick who had yet to find his rhythm with the Buffalo Bills, Elam was added (along with a sixth-round pick) in exchange for a fifth and seventh-round pick. Dallas felt a fresh start would help him succeed, and so far, it appears to be working.

Elam has stepped up with multiple players out due to injury. He’s been running with the starting team and earned the praise of defensive backs coach David Overstreet, who said he doesn’t have to get into Elam’s face.

MORE: Cowboys UDFA WR finding confidence as depth chart surge continues

The veteran defensive back spoke on Overstreet’s comments with CBS Sports’ Briana Aldridge, saying he’s always been independent and harder on himself than anyone else. Elam added that “no one wants it more than I do.”

CB Kaiir Elam has become a fan favorite in Oxnard. From Buffalo to Dallas, Elam tells me he is thankful for the fresh start as he quickly looks to emerge as a starter for Matt Eberflus’ defense. @CBSNewsTexas @CBSSportsTexas https://t.co/CnkfdnvMMZ pic.twitter.com/jgRNs4v4IT

— Briana Aldridge (@BreeAldridge) August 13, 2025

The Cowboys understand the drive Elam possesses. They had the pleasure of working with his father, Abram Elam, who went from an undrafted free agent to a starting safety in the NFL.

He’s also backing up his words as a continual stand out in every practice. Elam is consistently around the football, breaking up several passes while also picking up multiple interceptions.

He’s going to have to prove himself capable when the regular season begins, but his fresh start couldn’t have begun any better.

Bills Kaiir Elam celebrates his fumble recovery against Miami during second half action at Highmark Stadium. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

3 Cowboys who could be cut before playing a snap with franchise

Jerry Jones on trading Micah Parsons vs paying Cowboys star risks

Emmitt Smith gives hot take on Jerry Jones' role in Cowboys' Super Bowl drought

Cowboys linked to former 1,000-yard RB in 2026 NFL free agency

Meet Reece Allman: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc