The Buffalo Bills face a critical salary cap challenge as they prepare for the upcoming offseason, currently projected to be about $7 million over the limit. To address this, the team is considering tough roster moves, including potentially releasing a Pro Bowl player to free up the necessary space. This decision follows significant organizational changes, including the dismissal of head coach Sean McDermott and promotion of offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Evaluating Roster Changes Amid Salary Cap Pressures
After seven consecutive playoff appearances and 12 wins each season, the Bills are working to strengthen their roster while managing financial constraints. Clearing salary cap space will be essential before acquiring new talent, and one notable possibility is the release of tight end Dawson Knox. According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, cutting Knox could free up approximately $9.6 million—money that would significantly ease the team’s cap situation.
Complex Decisions Surrounding Dawson Knox
Knox’s potential departure involves various considerations beyond just the financial benefits. As one of quarterback Josh Allen’s closest teammates, Knox carries value in team chemistry, but the Bills must weigh this against his salary and on-field performance. The Athletic highlights that although Knox blends receiving and blocking skills better than his teammates, he is outperformed individually by their other tight ends.
“Without question, their most complex decision will be on Knox. The Bills can save $9.664 million before another contract replaces it in the Top 51, which is a massive amount that could go a long way for the team. Outside of Knox, the Bills have Dalton Kincaid and Jackson Hawes at tight end, a pair of players with complementary skill sets. The team has already committed to giving Kincaid his fifth-year option for 2027, and Hawes is signed through the 2028 season. Knox isn’t as good a receiver as Kincaid, and isn’t as good a blocker as Hawes, but has a better blend of the two than both. Knox is also one of Allen’s best friends on the team, so there’s that element to it. However, there is no getting around a net savings of almost $9 million.” The Athletic on Dawson Knox
Dalton Kincaid has emerged as a strong pass-catcher for Buffalo and is under contract through 2027 with a fifth-year option already exercised. Jackson Hawes offers solid blocking capabilities and remains signed through 2028. These factors give the Bills additional flexibility if they decide to part ways with Knox.
Possible Alternatives to Cutting Knox
Beyond outright releasing Knox, the Bills might explore renegotiating his contract to reduce his salary cap impact in 2026. Such an approach would allow Knox to remain part of the roster, giving new head coach Joe Brady a chance to further develop him alongside Josh Allen. Knox’s connection with Allen and his unique skill set make him a valuable contributor, complicating the decision even as financial considerations weigh heavily.
The upcoming offseason will likely see the Buffalo Bills navigating these difficult choices carefully, balancing player relationships, talent evaluation, and the pressing need to comply with salary regulations. How they resolve Knox’s situation may set the tone for their roster building as they aim to remain competitive in the NFL.
