Buffalo Bills: Options at tight end after Greg Olsen signs with Seahawks

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Dawson Knox #88 of the Buffalo Bills runs into the endzone for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Dawson Knox #88 of the Buffalo Bills runs into the endzone for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with fans after beating the Washington Redskins 47-16 in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with fans after beating the Washington Redskins 47-16 in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Add a veteran through free agency

If the Bills decide that Tyler Kroft can’t fill that role, or they want the cap space, the Bills could try to add another tight end through free agency. However, based on the flashes that Dawson Knox showed as a rookie, it wouldn’t make sense for the Bills to try and sign one of the top free agents like Hunter Henry or Austin Hooper.

The focus if the Bills were to sign a tight end would be to add a veteran who could be a leader in the locker room. While the team missed out on Greg Olsen, there was another veteran tight end that reportedly would be interested in playing for another team for the first time in 16 seasons.

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Jason Witten is looking to play another season and would consider other opportunities outside of Dallas. While Witten doesn’t have the same athletic ability he did earlier in his career, he is still a reliable pass catcher, which was one of the reasons for signing Olsen.

This past season, Witten had 63 receptions, 529 receiving yards and four touchdowns and more importantly, he has shown to be very durable over the years. He has missed only one game in his 16 seasons, which came in his rookie season in 2003.

If the Bills are able to sign Witten to a team-friendly deal, having his leadership and his experience in the locker room would certainly pay dividends for some of the younger players.

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