The Buffalo Bills are facing a critical decision this offseason concerning veteran tight end Dawson Knox, as salary cap constraints force them to weigh whether to keep a key offensive contributor. Knox, who experienced a resurgence in 2025 as an important target for quarterback Josh Allen, now stands at the center of costly roster considerations due to the team’s tight salary cap situation.
After delivering solid performances last season, Knox’s future with the Bills is uncertain, prompting the organization to evaluate if moving on from him could yield significant financial relief.
Current Status of Knox’s Contract and Performance
Dawson Knox secured a four-year, $53.6 million contract extension with Buffalo in 2022 but encountered inconsistent production in the subsequent years. His receiving numbers dipped immediately following the extension, with 22 receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games in 2023, followed by 22 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown in 2024. Knox improved notably last season, finishing with 36 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns, ranking third on the team in receiving yards and tied for second in touchdown receptions.
Despite these contributions, the Bills remain cautious due to their salary cap challenges, as releasing Knox could free nearly $9.7 million in cap space.
Indications from Team Insiders and Management
ESPN insider Alaina Getzenberg reported that Buffalo is seriously considering the difficult option of parting ways with Knox. Though he remains a respected teammate and close companion of Josh Allen, financial realities loom large.
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 stated.
In 2025, Knox finished third on the team in receiving yards (417) and tied for second in receiving touchdowns (four).
The Bills have engaged in talks with Knox’s representatives; however, no agreement has emerged on restructuring his contract or accepting a 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.
Additional Complex Roster Decisions for Buffalo
In addition to Knox’s situation, the Bills face other potentially difficult personnel choices to manage their financial constraints while maintaining offensive strength. Veteran receiver Curtis Samuel could be another candidate for release following inconsistent play and injury struggles over his two seasons with Buffalo.
Curtis Samuel signed a three-year deal with Buffalo worth $24 million ahead of the 2024 season,
noted Randy Gurzi of SI.com.
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.
Moreover, wide receiver Keon Coleman’s future remains uncertain after disciplinary benchings during the past season. Though publicly the team supports Coleman, insiders suggest the Bills may consider trading him to explore other options.
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?
Implications of the Upcoming Decisions for the Bills’ Offense
The choices facing the Buffalo Bills on Dawson Knox and other pass-catchers are especially significant given their salary cap constraints and the need to balance financial flexibility with on-field production. Letting go of Knox could ease the cap burden but would mean losing a reliable option for Josh Allen. Similarly, moving on from Curtis Samuel or trading Keon Coleman would reshape the receiving corps.
These moves will likely shape the team’s offensive strategy and roster construction as they prepare for the 2026 season, with the organization continuing negotiations and assessments in the coming weeks to resolve these pressing contract issues.
