The Los Angeles Chargers made a practice-squad swap on Wednesday, releasing cornerback Kaiir Elam and adding wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
The team announced the move on its social media account, and the change leaves Elam off the Chargers’ practice squad after a short stay. Valdes-Scantling’s addition filled the spot.
Los Angeles’ practice squad now includes:
LB Lander Barton
LB Andre Carter
LB Junior Colson
RB Gregory Desrosiers
RB Amar Johnson
C Josh Kaltenberger
DB Nikko Reed
TE Evan Svoboda
QB DJ Uiagalelei
T Laekin Vakalahi (International)
DL Terry Webb
TE Patrick Herbert
DT Jordan Jefferson
WR Theo Wease
LB Caleb Murphy
DB Isas Waxter
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Elam, 25, entered the NFL as a first-round pick by the Bills in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Florida. He is the son of former NFL S Abram Elam and the nephew of former NFL S Matt Elam.
At the time of the trade that sent him to Dallas, he was in the final year of a four-year, $13,690,809 rookie deal. The Cowboys acquired him in a late-round pick swap and later turned down his fifth-year option for 2025.
Dallas eventually moved on from him during the season, and he landed with the Titans. The Chiefs then signed Elam to a one-year contract for the 2026 season last offseason, and the Chargers brought him in on their practice squad after this year’s preseason.
In 2025, Elam played in seven games for the Cowboys and four for the Titans. He finished with 33 tackles, one tackle for loss, two fumble recoveries, and two passes defended.
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