If the writing wasn’t on the wall for Kaiir Elam, it has to be now… and just ahead of the 2023 NFL trade deadline.
The former first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills (5-3) at the 2022 NFL draft did not play in the team’s 24-18 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4).
That comes in a recent line of disappointments for Elam. The second-year pro is putting his best foot forward and being professional when called upon, but Elam started the season inactive for four-straight games.
Elam only got back in the lineup due to injury but eventually was benched, in game.
The latest blow is Buffalo’s coaching staff putting Elam back on the inactive list for veteran Josh Norman. Having signed to the practice squad, the Bills burned one of Norman’s call-ups from the practice squad just so he could play five snaps on special teams instead of allowing Elam to do so.
Not a good sign.
Since that Thursday win for Buffalo, Elam’s name has now but tossed into trade rumors. The 2023 NFL trade deadline is on Tuesday.
During McDermott’s post-game presser, the coach surprisingly didn’t downplay why Elam was out of the lineup. McDermott said he wants players in the lineup that can “help us win.”
Which, evidently, does not include Elam.
McDermott’s full comments on the Norman over Elam decision can be found in the clip below:
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