The Chiefs are leaving no stone unturned to build a stronger supporting cast of weapons around Patrick Mahomes for the 2026 season.

Cornerback Kaiir Elam, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills, has signed with Kansas City. This marks Elam's third team in two years.

After a disappointing 2025 season and trading starter Trent McDuffie and cornerback Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs required reinforcement on the spot.

Though considered one of the best cornerbacks in the 2022 draft class, Elam has not been able to carry his collegiate form into the NFL.

During his college career, he played in 35 games and recorded 79 tackles, six interceptions and 20 passes defended. That performance landed him on the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award watchlist.

In the NFL, Kaiir Elam has played for a total of 43 games (started 19), recording 114 tackles (78 solo), four tackles for loss and eight passes defended throughout his four-season career.

The Bills drafted Elam 23rd overall in 2022. But after three seasons, he was traded to the Cowboys last offseason. Eventually, Dallas waived him in September, and he signed with the Tennessee Titans.

The reason the Cowboys banked on Elam was that they wanted to boost their struggling defense but the cornerback couldn't help much in that. He finished the season with 33 tackles, one tackle for loss and two passes defended.

Due to his underwhelming performances, the fans were quick to share their disappointment online about his move to the Chiefs. 

Backlash Builds as Fans Question Chiefs’ Decision

Fans were quick to get back at the surprising deal of Kaiir Elam joining Patrick Mahomes and company.

“Help them do what exactly?????? He was TRASH here in Dallas," a fan wrote.

Another chimed in with a dream scenario of the Bills making it to the big game this season.

“Poetic Justice if he terrorizes the Chiefs in the AFC Championship and let's the Bills go to the Super Bowl,” another added.

As a rookie, Elam racked up 41 tackles (29 solo), one tackle for loss and four passes defended. Some feel the Chiefs could ignite the talent and make him shine again.

“Honestly, watching Bills fans crash out when he becomes awesome is going to be more exciting than KC filing their DB hole with a castoff” another fan noted. 

Another noted how usual it was for the Chiefs to go with the best cost-cutting option available,

“Typical chiefs, signing old a** players then wondering why half the team is injured mid season."

And another fan was critical regarding his addition to the defense of the team.

"He won't bolster anything, getting turned into burnt toast is all he will do”, adding a sarcastic note to this trade, underlining his incompatible stats with the past teams. 

What are your thoughts on Kaiir Elam joining the Chiefs? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore