With their first-round selection in 2023, the Buffalo Bills selected tight end Dalton Kincaid, who immediately established himself as a favourite target for quarterback Josh Allen and broke records for rookie pass-catchers within the organisation.
However, veteran tight end Dawson Knox may find himself in a difficult situation as a result of Kincaid’s quick rise, and one insider thinks Knox may wind up being used as trade bait this offseason. The Miami Dolphins may be interested in Knox, who has shown to be a potent red-zone target despite occasionally struggling with health, according to Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey.
Dawson Knox ‘Makes a Ton of Sense’ for Miami
Setting the franchise record for most receptions by a rookie, Kincaid outperformed Sammy Watkins in one of the best seasons ever for a tight end in the Bills organisation. At the end of the season, Kincaid had two touchdowns and 73 receptions for 673 yards.
Tansey hinted that Knox would become unnecessary for the Bills if Kincaid’s role expands in his second season. Tansey thinks the Dolphins would be interested if the organisation decides to shop Knox around.
“Knox still had value in the postseason alongside Kincaid, but it is clear that he is no longer the No. 1 tight end in Buffalo,” Tansey wrote. “Miami’s offense lacked an impact from the tight end position under [head coach Mike] McDaniel. Knox does not have to be a high-volume pass-catcher, but if he is effective in the red zone, he would be a worthwhile acquisition.”Since a breakout season in 2021 when he had 49 catches for 587 yards and nine touchdowns, Knox has seen his production dip. He struggled with injuries last season, appearing in just 12 games as he underwent mid-season wrist surgery. Knox finished with career-lows of 22 catches for 186 yards and two touchdowns.
Tight Offseason for the Bills
The Bills stand to gain financially from moving Knox, as they are predicted to go over the cap by over $50 million. The team could save around $2.6 million if they restructured Knox’s deal and gave him a wage reduction, according to Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports.
The Bills’ general manager, Brandon Beane, has already issued a warning, stating that the team would have little cap room available to sign free agents and draft picks this summer.
According to SI.com, Beane stated, “We’re going to be shopping at some of the same stores we were shopping at last year.” “We’re not going to those upscale stores on Main Street in New York City.”
It’s unclear what the Bills may ask for in exchange if they decide to deal Knox. After compensatory picks are given, the team should have ten total draft choices. They also need players on both sides of the ball.
Many insiders have suggested that the Bills will use their first-round pick to take a wide receiver, adding another reliable option after a season in which No. 1 pass-catcher Stefon Diggs ended the season on a major slump. Diggs failed to score a touchdown in his last seven games, the lonest stretch of his career without a score.