As the NFL offseason heats up, three AFC squads - the Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens - could find themselves in the market for a tight end. Each team has its own unique situation at the position, but there’s a common thread tying them together: a potential opportunity to land a veteran like Dawson Knox, should the Buffalo Bills decide to move on.
Denver Broncos: Searching for Balance
Let’s start in Denver, where the Broncos were reportedly exploring tight end options ahead of last season’s trade deadline. That search could resume this offseason, especially with the team needing a stronger in-line blocker to complement Evan Engram’s receiving skill set. Engram remains a dynamic weapon in the passing game, but he’s not exactly known for his prowess in the trenches.
There’s also the possibility that Denver parts ways with Engram altogether, which would instantly elevate tight end to a top-tier need. In that scenario, a player like Knox becomes even more appealing. He’s a capable pass-catcher, but more importantly for the Broncos, he brings a physical edge as a blocker - something that would benefit a Denver offense looking to establish more consistency on the ground.
Cleveland Browns: Preparing for Life After Njoku
Over in Cleveland, David Njoku has made it clear: he’s ready to move on. That leaves the Browns in a bit of a transitional phase at tight end.
Fortunately, they’ve got a promising young piece in Harold Fannin Jr., who showed flashes last season. But with Njoku on his way out, adding a veteran presence to the room makes a lot of sense - especially someone who can help mentor Fannin as he takes on a larger role.
Knox fits that mold. He’s 29, experienced, and has played in plenty of big games during his time in Buffalo. He wouldn’t need to be a featured weapon in Cleveland, but he could offer stability, leadership, and the kind of all-around game that helps an offense function more smoothly - especially in two-tight end sets or short-yardage situations.
Baltimore Ravens: Depth Behind Andrews
The Ravens are in a slightly different spot. Mark Andrews is locked in as the TE1 after signing a long-term extension in 2025, but Isaiah Likely could be heading out, with free agency looming. That opens the door for Baltimore to add a complementary piece - someone who can handle the dirty work in the run game while allowing Andrews to continue thriving as a receiving threat.
Knox isn’t as explosive as Likely, but he brings a different kind of value. He’s a reliable blocker and a steady target in the passing game.
In Baltimore’s offense, which leans heavily on tight ends to do a bit of everything, a player like Knox could help maintain the versatility that’s become a hallmark of their scheme. He’d also give the Ravens another look in two-TE formations, which could create mismatches and open up the playbook even more.
Buffalo’s Cap Crunch and Knox’s Future
Of course, all of this hinges on what the Bills decide to do. Knox signed a four-year, $52 million extension in 2022 and earned a Pro Bowl nod that same year. But since then, his production has leveled off, and with Dalton Kincaid and Jackson Hawes emerging in the tight end room, Knox could be the odd man out.
More importantly, Buffalo’s cap situation is tight - they’re currently $12.3 million over the limit. Cutting Knox would free up $9.6 million, making it a logical move from a financial standpoint. With younger, cheaper options already on the roster, the Bills may decide it’s time to turn the page.
If that happens, Knox instantly becomes one of the more intriguing veteran tight ends on the market - not a game-changer, but a proven contributor who can help in multiple phases of the game. And for teams like Denver, Cleveland, and Baltimore, that’s exactly the kind of piece that could round out a roster and elevate an offense.
So keep an eye on Dawson Knox as the offseason unfolds. If the Bills decide to move on, don’t be surprised if one of these three AFC contenders makes a move to bring him in.