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Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills makes a reception during an NFL game. The veteran tight end faces a pivotal 2026 decision as his $17.9 million cap hit forces Buffalo to evaluate its roster plans around Josh Allen.
The Buffalo Bills could be losing a major part of their offense this offseason as they face a potentially expensive decision on veteran tight end Dawson Knox.
Knox had something of a bounce-back season in 2025, becoming a favorite target for quarterback Josh Allen and presenting a steady option among a group of pass-catchers who could be volatile when it came to production. But the Bills are tight against the cap once again, and could potentially reap big savings by parting ways with Knox.
That leads the Bills to a big decision, one insider shared.
Bills Must Make ‘Big Decision’ on Dawson Knox
ESPN insider Alaina Getzenberg noted that the Bills may be inclined to part ways with Knox, despite his steady production this season.
“A big decision awaits the Bills regarding veteran tight end Dawson Knox. While he’s a beloved member of the organization and close friend of quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills can save almost $9.7 million in cap space by releasing him,” Getzenberg wrote. “In 2025, Knox finished third on the team in receiving yards (417) and tied for second in receiving touchdowns (four).”
As Getzenberg noted, the Bills have already been in conversation with Knox’s representation, though there has been no progress on a restructure or pay cut.
“We know we’re down to a couple weeks to make those and so there’s no answer,” said Bills general manager Brandon Beane. “There’s no resolution in the next 24 hours, or anything like that. But the discussions have happened and they’ll continue.”
The Bills signed Knox to a four-year, $53.6 million contract extension in 2022. He struggled to bring consistent production in the seasons after his extension, however. He made 22 receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games the following season, then made 22 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown in 2024.
Knox did see a jump in production last season, when he made 36 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns.
Bills Have Other Difficult Decisions
The Bills could make some other cuts to their pass-catching group to save cap space this offseason. SI.com’s Randy Gurzi predicted the team could part ways with veteran receiver Curtis Samuel after he struggled with injuries and inconsistent play over his two seasons in Buffalo.
Samuel has struggled to match his previous career production since joining the Bills, Gurzi noted.
“Curtis Samuel signed a three-year deal with Buffalo worth $24 million ahead of the 2024 season,” Gurzi noted. “Samuel had more than 600 yards in each of the previous two seasons with the Washington Commanders before signing with the Bills, but hasn’t been much of a factor.”
The team must also make a call on Keon Coleman’s future after a season where he was benched twice for disciplinary reasons. While the team has publicly supported Coleman, ESPN’s Getzenberg noted that the team could explore trade options this offseason.
“Questions, however, remain: Coleman is working as if he’ll be back in 2026, but is the relationship there?” Getzenberg wrote. “Would there be interested teams that he could be traded to? Or does it make more sense to retain Coleman and see if he can take a step forward?”
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Previously he wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as the assistant editor of athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management and Training & Conditioning. He is based out of Rochester, New York, and loves everything football. More about Nathan Dougherty
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