The eyebrow-raising move of veteran TE comes with a $30 million bill.
In preparation for the 2024 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills are currently undergoing a significant restructuring process. Several crucial veterans were abruptly released to ensure cap compliance, but many starters have since agreed to contract re-negotiations.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN revealed prior to the commencement of free agency that Dawson Knox, who was drafted by the Bills in the third round of 2019 NFL draft, had consented to revise his contract. In preparation for the 2022 season, Knox signed a four-year extension worth $52 million. The revamp decreased his cap hit by $14.4 million for 2024.
Following one of his career’s least productive seasons, Knox may be in danger of being released by the Bills at some point during 2025. This is largely due to tight end Dalton Kincaid’s emergence as a legitimate pass-catching threat for quarterback Josh Allen, which has led many to believe that Knox could become expendable after undergoing restructuring measures.
On the contrary, what actually happened was that Dawson Knox signed a restructured contract with the Bills worth $29.5M for three years. Spotrac.com made this announcement on Sunday, March 17th and revealed that his cap hit in 2024 has been reduced by $6.5M as a result of this agreement . The new deal guarantees him $12.5M including an amount equaling to his salary from 2025 which is set at$4.05m guaranteed; these details provoked quite some reaction amongst fans and analysts alike!
Despite taking a reduced salary, Knox is expected to remain with the team next year despite having a cap hit of $14 million and a dead cap hit of $16.97 million at 27 years old. YardsPerPass shared insight on the situation, noting that Dawson was initially considered for release in 2025 but now it would not be wise to do so.
A fan expressed their discontent with Dawson Knox’s contract, deeming it overpriced and awful. Conversely, some were pleased that he was committed to two additional years with the team. A different supporter mentioned how Knox may have taken a lower wage in 2024 but secured an extra year playing for the Bills- ultimately benefiting both parties involved.
Last season, Dawson Knox – the TE for Bills – had to undergo a wrist surgery and was unable to play in 5 games.
During the 2023 NFL season, Knox had surgery on his wrist around the halfway mark and missed five games. Prior to undergoing this procedure, he wasn’t a significant offensive player. He recorded only 15 receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown across seven games at that point in time. Over twelve matches following his operation, Knox amassed a total of twenty-two catches for one hundred eighty-six yards plus two touchdowns; additionally contributing with another pair of receptions totaling thirteen yards along with scoring once during playoffs over two separate fixtures as well.
After achieving more than 500 yards in two back-to-back seasons, there was a significant decrease in production. According to Joe Buscaglia from The Athletic, the player’s drop rate for the year 2023 (13.2%) stood out as “the poorest among Bills skill position players over the past four seasons.”
Nonetheless, Kincaid’s contribution is significant as the Bills initially employed 12 personnel. Nevertheless, Buffalo deviated from that strategy when Knox came back.
During the season, Knox had mainly been used for blocking and as a result of this, Kincaid managed to record 73 receptions covering 673 yards along with two touchdowns in all sixteen games. Furthermore, he also accumulated eight more catches amounting to 104 yards and one additional touchdown during the Bills’ playoff campaign.
It is recommended that the Bills solidify Dalton Kincaid as their TE1, in 2024.
Joe Brady’s offense benefits from Kincaid being the primary tight end, despite Knox receiving a lucrative salary as his backup.
According to Buscaglia, while Knox’s importance may decrease, Kincaid is the current and future cornerstone of this position for the franchise. Although Kincaid needs improvement in blocking skills, when they strategically pass and balance their offensive approach accordingly, it results in maximum explosiveness from the Bills team.
If the Bills designate Kincaid as their main tight end in most situations, they will benefit greatly in the future since he possesses all the qualities required to become franchise history’s finest.
During his season-end press conference, Brandon Beane insinuated that Knox may have a diminished role. He praised Dawson for handling the situation well considering all he has contributed to the team in terms of playtime and successes prior to bringing on a first round pick. It is only human nature to think about how this impacts oneself initially.
It is my belief that they will persist in aiding one another. Though Dalton’s physical approach may be less advanced and his play strength inferior to Dawson’s, I anticipate both players contributing positively in the future. Furthermore, this provides Joe Brady with assorted alternatives for specific opponents.
