The 2026 offseason is shaping up to be a critical juncture for the Buffalo Bills. With new head coach Joe Brady at the helm and general manager Brandon Beane steering the ship, the goal is clear: get this roster Super Bowl-ready. But achieving that dream often requires tough choices, and the Bills are staring down one such decision.
Enter Dawson Knox. The tight end is approaching the final year of his four-year, $52 million extension, restructured back in 2024. His future with the team hinges on the approaching June 1 deadline-a date that could redefine the Bills' offensive landscape.
Knox has been a steady presence in Buffalo for seven seasons, securing 27 touchdown catches, a franchise best for his position. Yet, despite this standout stat, the hefty $17 million cap hit Knox carries is a significant consideration for Beane.
The Bills have options. They found a promising run-blocking tight end in Jackson Hawes during the 2025 NFL Draft, and while Dalton Kincaid dealt with injuries last season, the team seems poised to exercise his fifth-year option. Knox’s experience and knowledge of the offense are invaluable, especially if Kincaid faces more time on the sidelines.
June 1 is the key date here. Cutting Knox before then saves the team $9.7 million but comes with a $7.4 million penalty.
Post-June 1, those numbers shift to a $12 million saving and a $5 million penalty, according to Over The Cap. The Bills could also designate Knox as a post-June 1 cut, but the financial benefits wouldn’t kick in until after that date, limiting free agency flexibility.
Of course, cutting ties isn’t the only route. Knox has expressed his desire to remain in Buffalo, and a contract extension or pay cut could reduce his cap hit, freeing up funds while keeping him on the roster for 2026.
The Bills face a roster full of needs. With 14 defenders heading to free agency and a new defensive scheme in play, many changes are expected. Add to that the need for wide receivers and the potential departure of two starting offensive linemen, and the financial puzzle becomes even more complex.
As Beane works his cap magic, the path forward for Knox will become clearer. Until then, Bills fans will be watching closely as June 1 approaches, eager to see how this pivotal offseason unfolds.