Two former Gators move in opposite directions with Dallas Cowboys

Two former Florida Gators are moving in different directions with the Dallas Cowboys.

Cornerback Kaiir Elam was released on Saturday after Dallas shuffled its roster and chose to bring up running back Malik Davis. The Cowboys traded for Elam in the offseason, hoping a change of scenery would help the former first-round pick regain his early NFL form after an uneven stretch with the Buffalo Bills, who drafted him in 2022.

Elam played in 10 games and earned seven starts in Dallas, finishing with 29 tackles and one pass deflection. He still carries the traits that made him a first-round pick. Teams needing help in the secondary could view him as a low-risk option with upside heading into December.

The cornerback’s time in Gainesville from 2019–21 made him one of the SEC’s most reliable defensive backs. He left Florida with a reputation for length, speed and physical coverage skills.

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Davis, meanwhile, is getting another opportunity after spending most of the year on the practice squad. He has appeared in four games this season and has seven carries for 26 yards. Davis played at Florida from 2017–21, carving out a balanced career as both a runner and receiver before signing with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent.

The move reunites Davis with the active roster, while Elam looks for a fresh start elsewhere.

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