Buffalo Bills 2023 Free Agent Profile: Tommy Sweeney

The Buffalo Bills drafted Tommy Sweeney in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the same year as Dawson Knox. The former Boston College Eagles tight end would actually move up quickly through the depth chart as the Bills dealt with a number of injuries at the position during training camp.

Sweeney would play in over 20 snaps each of his first three games in the NFL but as the Buffalo Bills got players back, he moved to a backup role. This was essentially what Sweeney’s role was over the past four seasons as he was almost exclusively the backup to Dawson Knox and the Bills didn’t utilize him much as that second tight end in two-tight end sets.

This past season was more of the same as Sweeney would be passed on the depth chart by Quintin Morris and would be active for only five games.

For his career, Sweeney has had 18 receptions on 26 targets for 165 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

Should the Buffalo Bills re-sign tight end Tommy Sweeney this offseason?

While there have been times that Tommy Sweeney has stepped into the starting lineup for Dawson Knox, the Buffalo Bills should really look to upgrade the position behind Knox. Tommy Sweeney is limited in what he brings to this offense and is probably more of a blocking tight end than much of a threat in the passing game.

Over the past few offseasons, the Buffalo Bills have brought in free agent tight ends like O.J. Howard last offseason and Jacob Hollister the year before. While neither veteran would be on the roster at the start of the regular season, it was an indication that the team didn’t have complete confidence in Sweeney.

The Buffalo Bills may consider bringing Tommy Sweeney back on a veteran minimum contract because of his experience in the offense but it would make more sense to try and find another option in the NFL Draft.