Exclusive: Bills $52 Million TE Predicted to Take Over Surprising New Position
The Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox may take up a dual position as tight end.
Although Tyler Bass is usually responsible for kickoffs, the 5-foot-10, 183-pounder may not be suitable for this position during the current season due to new NFL regulations. In some cases, having a kicker who can tackle could provide considerable benefits on kickoff plays. As an alternative option worth considering, Knox – a tall and hefty tight end standing at 6 feet 4 inches in height and weighing approximately 254 pounds – could fill this role effectively.
In his mailbag column published on June 1st, Jay Skurski from The Buffalo News discussed the potential change and suggested a few position players who could potentially kick off. Skurski recalled that during a training camp practice in recent years, Dawson Knox, Micah Hyde, and Matt Barkley all tried their hand at kicking extra points. However, currently only Knox remains with the team.
According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, the new NFL kickoff rule places the kicker as a final line of defense in case the returner manages to get past initial coverage. This adds an interesting twist because having your kicker in that position could be detrimental, especially if you require him for field goals.
There is serious consideration by the Kansas City Chiefs to have either safety Justin Reid or running back Louis Rees-Zammit handle kickoff duties. Matthew Smiley, the special teams coordinator for Bills, plans on experimenting with this position when OTAs resume on June 3rd.
In 2022, Knox inked a $52 million four-year extension but opted to revise his agreement this offseason. Despite receiving less pay than before, he is now bound through 2026 with a newly altered three-year deal worth $29.5 million.
Dawson Knox, the TE for Bills, had one of his worst seasons in recent times.
In 2024, the Bills offense has undergone significant changes. Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis are no longer in the picture, leaving Knox as quarterback Josh Allen’s most experienced offensive asset.
Despite his potential, Knox had one of the least fruitful seasons in recent years. Although the Bills initially implemented 12 personnel (including a running back, two tight ends and two wide receivers) at the start of last season with Dalton Kincaid as their main tight end option, they shifted focus away from this strategy following former offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey’s departure and Knox’s wrist surgery mid-season.
Knox’s performance in 12 games yielded only 22 catches, totaling 186 yards and two touchdowns. This was a significant drop from his previous two seasons with over 500 receiving yards each. According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, Knox had the worst drop rate (13.2%) among any Bills skill position player in the past four seasons.
The third-round selection of the Bills during the 2019 NFL draft proves to be an excellent asset both on and off the pitch. Besides being a vital player for their team, he brings veteran leadership within their locker room. Moreover, with his complete recovery this season, he could make a comeback in top form.
According to Mike D’Abate of Athlon Sports, Knox excels at locating gaps in softer areas and employing flat formations.
Knox has enhanced his blocking on the edge even when the ball does not come towards him, by improving his ability to seal blocks. He usually assumes a formidable position and becomes challenging for any team to defend against.
Although Knox spent most of his time as a blocker, Kincaid managed to tally 73 receptions for 673 yards and score two touchdowns during his first year in the league.
Bills OC Joe Brady Addressed Using 12-Personnel With Dawson Knox & Dalton Kincaid
The probability of incorporating additional 12 personnel in the year 2024 was discussed by Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady when he spoke to reporters on May 28.
Brady stated that they will strive to field their top 11 football players, and this may alter on a weekly basis according to opponents. Their approach entails pinpointing strengths in addition to weaknesses within the opposing team’s defense instead of solely attacking weak points. On certain occasions, using 12 personnel or even possibly utilizing 22 personnel might prove most advantageous for them.
Our aim is to expand the package and allow them to become familiar with diverse situations and locations, observing their reactions.
