BREAKING: Bills $30 Million Move With Veteran TE Raises Eyebrows
The Buffalo Bills are undergoing significant changes ahead of the 2024 NFL season. They have cut several key veterans to comply with the salary cap, and many starters have agreed to restructure their contracts.
Before the start of free agency, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that tight end Dawson Knox had agreed to rework his contract. Knox, who was drafted by the Bills in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft, had previously signed a four-year, $52 million extension before the 2022 season. The restructure aimed to reduce his $14.4 million cap hit in 2024.
Knox will be a part of the Bills in 2025 #BillsMafia many fans wondered that but this solidifies that. https://t.co/RlFxAKL3xc
— Ryan Thomas (@ryanthomastake) March 17, 2024
Knox’s performance in the past season was among the least productive of his career. With tight end Dalton Kincaid emerging as a significant receiving threat for Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Knox’s contract restructure initially suggested a potential release in 2025.
However, the outcome proved to be different. Spotrac.com announced on Sunday, March 17, that “Dawson Knox signed a 3-year, $29.5 million restructured contract with the Bills, reducing his 2024 cap hit by $6.5 million. Knox is guaranteed $12.5 million on the new deal, including $4.5 million of his 2025 salary.” These contract adjustments sparked strong reactions from fans and analysts alike.
Despite essentially taking a pay cut, with a $14 million cap hit in 2025 and a dead cap hit of $16.97 million, Dawson Knox, at 27 years old, is expected to remain with the Bills next year. YardsPerPass commented, “Very interesting, makes Dawson who was a ‘good cut candidate’ in 2025 now a quite bad cut candidate.”
Some fans expressed dissatisfaction, with one stating, “He is so overpaid. What a terrible contract that is.” However, others were pleased to see Knox secured for two more years. One fan remarked, “Took less money in 2024, but makes sure he gets another year with the Bills. Win-win for Dawson Knox and the Bills.”
Bills TE Dawson Knox Missed 5 Games After Undergoing Wrist Surgery Last Season
Dalton Kincaid gets his first career NFL TD and jumps in the crowd.
(Via NFL, Prime Video) | #BillsMafiapic.twitter.com/ytEPNqkAOk
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 27, 2023
During the 2023 NFL season, Knox underwent wrist surgery around the midway point, causing him to miss five games. However, even before the surgery, he wasn’t a significant contributor on offense. In the first seven games, he managed just 15 receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown. Throughout 12 games, Knox totaled 22 receptions for 186 yards and two scores. In the playoffs, he contributed with 2 receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown over two games.
This marked a notable decline in production compared to his previous two seasons, during which he exceeded 500 yards. His drop rate in 2023 (13.2%) was reported by The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia as “the worst drop rate of the past four seasons by a Bills skill position player.”
The emergence of Kincaid cannot be underestimated. Despite starting with a game plan that involved 12 personnel, the Bills shifted away from this approach upon Knox’s comeback.
Knox’s role primarily involved blocking, allowing Kincaid to shine. Kincaid concluded the season with impressive numbers, recording 73 receptions for 673 yards and two touchdowns across 16 games. He further contributed with 8 receptions for 104 yards and another touchdown during the Bills’ playoff campaign.
The Bills are Urged to Commit to Dalton Kincaid as TE1 in 2024
Knox’s contract positions him as a highly compensated backup, while promoting Kincaid to the top spot at tight end aligns with Joe Brady’s offensive strategy.
In his analysis, Buscaglia emphasized that although Knox’s role will diminish, Kincaid represents both the present and future of the franchise at the tight end position. While Kincaid still needs to improve as a blocker, the Bills’ offense operates most effectively when they utilize passing to establish the run, finding balance in their approach.
Buscaglia suggested that Kincaid has the potential to become the best tight end in franchise history, advocating for the Bills to commit to him as the primary tight end in most situations for long-term success.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane hinted at Knox taking on a more supportive role during his end-of-season press conference, acknowledging the challenge of adjusting to a rookie first-round pick in Kincaid. Beane expressed confidence in both players’ abilities to contribute, highlighting Kincaid’s physical development and Knox’s strength on the field. He emphasized the importance of having multiple options for offensive flexibility based on matchups.