The Buffalo Bills are entering a new phase as Joe Brady takes over as head coach, marking a shift from nearly ten years of leadership by Sean McDermott and General Manager Brandon Beane. Brady, who served as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator since 2022, will now lead the team, with decisions pending on roster moves that include the future of tight end Dalton Kincaid. The team must decide whether to exercise Kincaid’s fifth-year contract option, a critical step given his first-round draft status and potential impact on the offense.
Brandon Beane Affirms Plan to Retain Kincaid
Following Brady’s introduction as head coach, Brandon Beane addressed the media about the roster and Kincaid’s role moving forward. Initially indicating no hesitation to pick up the option, Beane reiterated this stance during the NFL Combine on the show One Bills Live with Steve Tasker and Chris Brown. Emphasizing Kincaid’s value to the offense despite injury challenges, Beane stated,
“at some point, we will definitely pick up his fifth-year”
highlighting the organization’s commitment to the tight end’s future.
Kincaid’s Growing Influence on Buffalo’s Offense
Dalton Kincaid has displayed significant promise under Joe Brady’s offensive schemes, evolving into a versatile tight end with a playstyle comparable to Travis Kelce’s. Known for creating openings in short and intermediate routes, Kincaid’s presence enhances the offensive playcalling. Although injuries, including a knee issue dating back to the 2024 season, have limited his availability, Kincaid still managed to achieve career-best numbers in 2025. In 12 games, he recorded 39 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns, averaging over 14 yards per catch.
Roster Implications and Tight End Hierarchy
The Bills face decisions beyond Kincaid with Dawson Knox holding one year left on his contract but carrying a $17 million cap hit. Buffalo could save $12 million by designating Knox for a post June-1 release, according to Over The Cap data, potentially elevating Kincaid as the primary receiving tight end. Additionally, Jackson Hawes has proven himself as a strong blocking tight end who can contribute as a receiver, complementing Kincaid’s skill set and reinforcing the position’s depth.
Outlook for Kincaid and the Team’s Offensive Future
With the fifth-year option set to be triggered, Dalton Kincaid will enter 2026 with two guaranteed years remaining on his rookie deal, positioning him as a potential long-term asset for Buffalo. The key to his advancement remains maintaining consistent health, enabling him to fully capitalize on his role in the offense. As Joe Brady’s first year as head coach unfolds, the Bills will rely heavily on Kincaid and the supporting cast to establish a dynamic passing game and sustain their competitive momentum.
A decision on Dalton Kincaid's 5th-year option doesn't need to be made until the spring, but Bills GM Brandon Beane said:
"I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t pick that up."
The Bills' mission is to help Kincaid stay healthy.
— Lance Lysowski (@LLysowski) January 29, 2026
Brandon Beane provided further clarity regarding Dalton Kincaid’s fifth-year option while appearing on @OneBillsLive on Tuesday
Beane confirmed the Bills will pick up Kincaid’s option, which is worth $8.75 million pic.twitter.com/OIHNrz1Ynp
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) February 25, 2026
