The Denver Broncos are expected to take a hard look at the tight end market this offseason, and one name that could emerge as a realistic target is Dawson Knox - currently still under contract with the Buffalo Bills, but potentially not for long.
Knox has been a reliable presence in Buffalo, known for his versatility as both a pass-catcher and blocker. But with the Bills facing some serious cap decisions and the emergence of Dalton Kincaid as their go-to option at tight end, Knox’s future in Western New York is looking increasingly uncertain.
The financial side of this is key: Buffalo could clear roughly $11 million in cap space by moving on from Knox and his $29 million contract. That’s a tough call for any front office, but one that starts to make more sense when you factor in Kincaid’s rise and the Bills’ pressing needs elsewhere on the roster.
Now, it’s worth noting that Kincaid has dealt with injuries over the past two seasons, which might give Buffalo some pause before cutting a dependable veteran like Knox. But the team also has 2025 fifth-rounder Jackson Hawes waiting in the wings.
Hawes showed some promise as a rookie, flashing ability as both a blocker and a pass-catcher - the kind of traits that could make him a cost-effective replacement for Knox in a TE2 role. If the Bills believe Hawes is ready to step up, the decision to part ways with Knox becomes a lot easier, especially with the cap relief on the table.
Enter the Broncos.
Denver is in the market for a tight end who can do the dirty work - someone who can help in the run game, chip in as a safety valve for a young quarterback like Bo Nix, and bring some veteran steadiness to the position group. Knox checks a lot of those boxes.
He’s not going to stretch the field or put up gaudy receiving numbers at this stage of his career, but what he does bring is a balanced skill set and a professional approach. That’s exactly the kind of player Sean Payton tends to value - someone who understands assignments, blocks with purpose, and can be trusted in key situations.
The Broncos’ current tight end situation is murky. Evan Engram, while once seen as a high-upside addition, hasn’t quite delivered on expectations.
He’s been inconsistent, and his contract is starting to look like a luxury Denver can’t afford if the production doesn’t match the price tag. If the front office decides to move on from Engram, Knox could be a budget-friendly replacement.
Even if Engram sticks around, pairing him with a player like Knox could give Denver a more well-rounded tight end room - one that offers both receiving upside and blocking reliability.
The bottom line? Knox isn’t a headline-grabbing signing, but he’s the kind of addition that helps stabilize a position group. If he does hit the open market, don’t be surprised if Denver is one of the first teams to pick up the phone.