The Buffalo Bills haven’t made it official yet, but the writing’s on the wall when it comes to tight end Dalton Kincaid and his fifth-year option. General manager Brandon Beane didn’t exactly play coy when asked about it.
“I don’t see any reason why the Bills would not pick that up,” he said. That’s about as close to a confirmation as you’ll get before pen meets paper.
Let’s break down what this means, both for Kincaid and for a Bills team that’s looking to keep its offensive core intact without locking itself into long-term commitments prematurely.
Understanding the Fifth-Year Option
First, a quick refresher: the NFL’s fifth-year option is a tool teams can use to keep first-round picks under contract for an extra year beyond their rookie deals. For players taken in the first round of the 2022 draft-Kincaid included-teams have until May 1, 2026, to decide whether to pick up that option for the 2027 season.
If the Bills exercise the option, Kincaid will be under contract through 2027 on a fully guaranteed salary. If they don’t, he’s set to hit unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season.
What Would the Bills Pay?
Now, the price tag on that fifth year isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s tied to a tiered system based on playing time and accolades. For tight ends, here’s how the projected 2027 numbers stack up:
- Basic tier: $8.752 million
- Playtime tier: $9.734 million
- One Pro Bowl: $13.5 million
- Multiple Pro Bowls: $15.889 million
Kincaid was named to the 2026 Pro Bowl roster, but as an alternate-not a primary selection. That distinction matters under the current collective bargaining agreement.
Only primary Pro Bowlers qualify for the higher tiers. So, Kincaid’s option would fall into the basic tier, locking him in at $8.75 million for 2027.
Why This Makes Sense for Buffalo
From the Bills’ perspective, this is a savvy move. They get another year of a dynamic pass-catching tight end at a manageable cost, all without having to dive into the deep end of long-term negotiations just yet. It’s the kind of cap-conscious decision that gives a team flexibility-especially one that’s consistently been in the playoff mix and needs to manage its roster around a high-priced quarterback.
For Kincaid, it’s not a bad deal either. He gets a fully guaranteed salary in Year 5 and a clear runway to earn an extension if he continues to produce.
And let’s be clear-he’s already shown flashes of being a top-tier tight end in this league. The Pro Bowl alternate nod may not bump his salary tier, but it’s a sign he’s on the radar.
What Comes Next
Unless something unexpected happens between now and the May 1 deadline, Kincaid looks poised to remain a key piece of Buffalo’s offensive puzzle through at least 2027. And at just under $9 million for that fifth year, the Bills are getting solid value for a player who’s become a reliable target and a matchup problem for defenses.
No, it’s not the blockbuster extension some players get after Year 3. But this move gives both sides time-time for Kincaid to keep building his case, and time for the Bills to continue shaping an offense that can contend deep into January.