The Buffalo Bills are in the middle of major changes before the 2024 NFL season. After suddenly releasing several important experienced players to meet the salary cap, many starting players agreed to change their contracts.
Before the start of free agency, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler announced that tight end Dawson Knox agreed to modify his contract. Knox, who was picked in the third round of the Bills’ 2019 NFL draft, signed a four-year, $52 million extension before the 2022 season started. The change in the contract reduced his $14.4 million salary cap impact in 2024.
Knox had one of his least productive seasons. With tight end Dalton Kincaid emerging as a reliable pass-catching weapon for Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Knox’s contract modification seemed to make it easier for the Bills to let him go in 2025. But the opposite turned out to be true.
Spotrac.com posted on Sunday, March 17, that “Dawson Knox signed a restructured 3-year, $29.5 million contract with the Bills that decreased his salary cap impact by $6.5 million in 2024. Knox is guaranteed $12.5 million in the new deal, including $4.5 million of his 2025 salary.” The contract specifics caused a strong reaction from fans and analysts. Although Knox basically took a pay cut, with a $14 million salary cap impact in 2025 and a dead cap impact of $16.97 million, the 27-year-old is not leaving next year.
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
YardsPerPass posted, “Very interesting, makes Dawson who was a ‘good cut candidate’ in 2025 now a quite bad cut candidate.” fan responded
One , “He is so overpaid. What a terrible contract that is.” Others were happy to see Knox locked in for two more years. Another, “Took less money in 2024, but makes sure he gets another year with the Bills. Win win for Dawson Knox, and the Bills.” fan postedBills TE Dawson Knox Missed 5 Games After Undergoing Wrist Surgery Last Season
Bills tight end Dawson Knox at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023.
GettyKnox had wrist surgery during the 2023 NFL season, which caused him to miss five games. However, he wasn’t a major contributor to the offense before the surgery. In the first seven games, he only had 15 receptions, 102 yards, and one touchdown. In 12 games, Knox had a total of 22 receptions for 186 yards and two scores. In two playoff games, he got 2 receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown.
After two seasons with over 500 yards, there was a significant drop in production. His drop rate in 2023 (13.2%) was “the worst drop rate of the past four seasons by a Bills skill position player,”
The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia However, the addition of Kincaid cannot be overlooked. While the Bills used 12 personnel early on, Buffalo changed their game plan after Knox returned. reported.
With Knox mainly used as a blocker, Kincaid finished the season with 73 receptions for 673 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games. He also got 8 receptions for 104 yards and a score in the Bills’ playoff run.
The Bills are Encouraged to Make Dalton Kincaid the Number 1 Tight End in 2024
Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023.
GettyAlthough Knox’s contract makes him a highly paid substitute, having Kincaid as the top tight end is beneficial for Joe Brady’s offense.
Buscaglia stated that Knox's role will decrease, and Kincaid is the current and future main tight end for the team. Although Kincaid still needs to improve as a blocker, the Bills are most effective when they pass to set up the run and achieve a balance from that standpoint.
Kincaid has the potential to become the best tight end in franchise history, and the sooner the Bills make him the primary tight end in most situations, the better it will be for them in the long term.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane hinted at Knox taking a more secondary role during his end-of-season press conference.
end-of-season press conference . Beane credited Dawson for his contributions and acknowledged that it might be challenging for him after drafting a first-round pick. He also recognized the human reaction of wondering about the implications for oneself.They are expected to continue helping each other. Dalton tries to play physical, but he is not as physically developed and lacks the play strength that Dawson has. Both players are likely to contribute going forward, providing various options for the team depending on the opponent.
The details of the Bills tight end Dawson Knox's contract restructuring have surfaced, revealing surprising implications for his future in Buffalo.
