Commanders projected to trade for Kaiir Elam to boost cornerback depth and future potential.
The Washington Commanders are working to regain their relevance after a series of mediocre seasons. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, alongside a revamped roster and coaching staff, is expected to play a key role in turning the team around.
Despite these efforts, the Commanders still have areas in need of improvement, particularly at cornerback. After adding rookies Mike Sainristil and Michael Davis and hoping for a bounce-back from returning talent, the team is considering additional adjustments to bolster the position group.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay proposed a trade that could address this need. He suggested that Washington pursue a deal with the Buffalo Bills to acquire third-year cornerback Kaiir Elam. The former first-round pick has not fully realized his potential in Buffalo, and a change of scenery might be beneficial for both him and the team.
Kay highlighted that while Washington is hopeful their current starters can step up, depth remains a concern with backups Tariq Castro-Fields and Noah Igbinoghene. Adding a player like Elam, who has high potential, could solve depth issues and provide a long-term solution.
Elam, who was highly regarded coming out of college, has struggled to make a significant impact in the NFL. Since being drafted by the Bills in 2022, he has appeared in 16 games, recording 55 tackles, four pass defenses, and two interceptions. Despite some impressive plays, he has also been plagued by missed coverages and risky gambles.
The proposed trade would involve Washington sending a sixth-round pick to Buffalo for Elam. This deal could benefit both sides: Elam would get a fresh start with a new team, while Washington would gain a promising player with the potential to improve their cornerback depth. With two years remaining on his contract and the possibility of a fifth-year option, Elam represents an intriguing low-risk trade candidate for the Commanders.