The Buffalo Bills are poised to make a seismic shift at the tight end position, with emerging reports suggesting the team is ready to part ways with veteran Dawson Knox in a midseason trade. This move, driven by the rapid rise of rookie sensation Jackson Hawes and the presence of first-round pick Dalton Kincaid, could reshape the Bills’ offensive outlook and free up significant cap space.
Dawson Knox has better sight, and a vision for proving his worth
The Rise of Jackson Hawes
Rookie tight end Jackson Hawes has been a revelation for Buffalo in 2025. Initially viewed as a blocking specialist, Hawes has quickly outgrown that label, showcasing his versatility as both a reliable receiver and a dominant force in the run game. With four receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown this season, Hawes has already outpaced Knox in playing time and impact. The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia has dubbed Hawes an “emerging star,” noting his ability to outshine Knox in the early stages of the season.
Hawes’ ascent has given the Bills’ front office confidence in their depth at the position, particularly with 2023 first-rounder Dalton Kincaid already established as a key piece of the passing game. This development has sparked discussions about the future of Knox, whose role has diminished significantly since Kincaid’s arrival.
Dawson Knox’s Declining Role
Once a favorite target of quarterback Josh Allen, Dawson Knox has seen his role in Buffalo’s offense shrink dramatically. In 2023, Knox recorded just 22 receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Last season, he improved slightly with 22 catches for 311 yards and one score, but his involvement remained limited. This year, Knox has managed only four receptions for 39 yards, a clear sign that he has fallen out of favor in the Bills’ offensive scheme.
Knox, now 28, is in the midst of a four-year, $52 million contract, but his production no longer justifies his hefty price tag. With one year left on his deal after this season, the Bills face a critical decision: keep Knox as a depth piece or trade him to clear cap space and fully commit to their younger options.
Trade Rumors Swirl
Analyst Matt Verderame of SI.com recently proposed a trade that would send Knox to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. The Falcons, looking to bolster their offense behind a young quarterback, could benefit from Knox’s veteran presence. Verderame noted that Knox has “gotten lost a bit in Buffalo” since Kincaid’s arrival and Hawes’ emergence, making him a logical trade candidate.
This potential move aligns with Buffalo’s long-term financial strategy. According to Buscaglia, trading or releasing Knox in the upcoming offseason could save the Bills nearly $10 million in 2026 cap space. With Kincaid’s fifth-year option decision looming—projected at $8.7 million for 2027—the Bills are unlikely to retain both high-priced tight ends beyond 2026. Hawes’ low-cost rookie contract only strengthens the case for moving Knox now.
A “Brutal” but Necessary Decision
The decision to part ways with Knox midseason would be a bold and, as some might call it, “brutal” move for a Bills team with Super Bowl aspirations. However, it reflects the harsh realities of the NFL salary cap and the team’s commitment to building around younger, cost-effective talent. Hawes’ emergence has given Buffalo the flexibility to make this choice without sacrificing on-field production.
As Buscaglia pointed out, “At best, given their cap structure, the Bills can only afford to keep one of Kincaid or Knox past 2026, and that might even get fast-forwarded to this offseason should Hawes’ arrival continue to excel.” Trading Knox now could net the Bills valuable draft capital while allowing them to fully embrace a Kincaid-Hawes tandem at tight end.
If the Bills follow through with this trade, it would signal a clear shift toward youth and financial flexibility. Hawes, with his blend of blocking prowess and receiving upside, pairs well with Kincaid’s pass-catching ability, giving Josh Allen a dynamic duo to target in the passing game. Meanwhile, the additional draft pick—potentially a fifth-rounder—would provide Buffalo with another asset to bolster their roster in the coming years.
For Knox, a fresh start in Atlanta or elsewhere could offer a chance to reclaim his status as a primary receiving tight end. For the Bills, however, this move would mark the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter led by their rising stars.
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Buffalo to see if they pull the trigger on this blockbuster deal. One thing is certain: the Bills are ready to make tough decisions to keep their championship window open.