The Indianapolis Colts currently hold a 3-3 record as they prepare to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 7. With the NFL trade deadline approaching on November 5th, there is still time for teams to make moves to improve their rosters. While Colts General Manager Chris Ballard is not known for making major trade moves, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has proposed a trade idea that could be beneficial for Indianapolis: acquiring Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam.
Elam, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has struggled to meet the expectations placed on him. Taken 23rd overall, he has not performed as hoped under Buffalo’s general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott. Despite opportunities arising due to injuries in the Bills’ secondary, Elam has failed to secure consistent playing time. In 2024, he has played just 23 defensive snaps, and his tenure with Buffalo has not lived up to the standards expected of a first-rounder. His career stats include 59 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 5 passes defended over 22 games, but injuries and inconsistent performance have limited his role.
Despite Elam’s struggles, he remains a young, talented player at just 23 years old, and his best football may still be ahead of him. This makes him a potential asset for the Colts, who have a young secondary with players like Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, and Sam Womack III. Even if Elam were to be added primarily for depth, his presence could help bolster a secondary dealing with injuries.
Barnwell’s analysis suggests that taking a chance on Elam could be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Colts. Elam’s rookie contract includes $1.3 million guaranteed for the remainder of 2024 and $2.6 million guaranteed for 2025. While these sums are not excessive, the Colts would still need to evaluate whether Elam has a real chance of contributing to the team. Indianapolis would also need to decide on Elam’s fifth-year option after the 2025 season, adding urgency to any potential trade.
Indianapolis is well-positioned financially, with the 14th most cap space in the NFL ($11.1 million), which gives them the flexibility to absorb Elam’s contract. Additionally, given the current injuries in their secondary, Elam could potentially provide valuable support, particularly as an outside cornerback, where Indianapolis could use help.
The trade’s feasibility will depend on Buffalo’s willingness to part with Elam and what the Colts are willing to give up. A day-three draft pick might be enough to land the young cornerback, but Indianapolis has been protective of its draft capital in the past. Whether Ballard is willing to part with future assets for a player like Elam remains to be seen. With the trade deadline fast approaching, if Indianapolis wants to make a move, they will need to act soon before other teams show interest in the former first-round pick.
