The Bills have finally made a $950 million payment. veteran scheduled to…
A significant reorganization is underway at the Buffalo Bills in anticipation of the 2024 NFL season. Many starters consented to contract restructures when the team quickly removed several important veterans in order to become cap-compliant.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler first reported that tight end Dawson Knox has agreed to restructure his deal before the start of free agency. Prior to the 2022 season, Knox, the Bills’ third-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract extension. The restructuring reduced his 2024 $14.4 million cap impact. Following one of his least productive seasons to date, Knox’s restructuring appeared to smooth the way for the Bills to release him in 2025, as tight end Dalton Kincaid emerged as a legitimate pass-catching weapon for quarterback Josh Allen.
But as it happened, the reverse was true. On Sunday, March 17, Spotrac.com announced, “Dawson Knox signed a $30.5 million, three-year contract with the Bills that lowered his 2024 cap hit by $6.5 million.” Knox’s new contract guarantees $12.5 million, of which $4.5 million is his compensation until 2025. Fans and commentators have strong reactions to the deal details. Although Knox’s salary effectively decreased, with a $14 million cap hit in 2025 and a $16.97 million dead cap hit, the 27-year-old will still be around come next season. “Remarkably intriguing, turns Dawson—who was a ‘good cut candidate’ in 2025—into a fairly bad cut candidate,” wrote Yards PerPass.
“He is so overpaid,” retorted one supporter. What a horrible agreement that is. Some were relieved that Knox would be confined for an additional two years. “Took less money in 2024, but makes sure he gets another year with the Bills,” wrote a second fan in a post. Dawson Knox and the Bills both win.Knox was not exactly a major contributor on offense prior to the surgery, as he had only recorded 15 receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown through the first seven games of the 2023 NFL season. In 12 games, he totaled 22 receptions for 186 yards and two scores, and in two playoff games, he added another 2 receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown. Knox had surgically repaired his wrist about halfway through the season, which kept him out of five games.
Although Knox’s role will suffer, Buscaglia stated that Kincaid represents the franchise’s future and current starting point. From a blocking standpoint, Kincaid has some work to do, but the Bills are most effective when they pass to set up the run and strike a balance.
The earlier the Bills commit to using Cameron as their main tight end in the majority of scenarios, the better off they’ll be in the long term. He has the potential to be the best tight end in team history.
