The Buffalo Bills' tight end room during the 2025 season was another productive group, alongside the running backs, and will look to build on its success in 2026.
Since the Bills had no true No.1 wide receiver on the team, the tight end group stepped up to give quarterback Josh Allen support in the middle of the field passing game. It led to 12 total touchdowns from the three outstanding players.
Hoping to build on a solid 2025 campaign and be even stronger this upcoming season, let's examine what the Bills need to do to make their tight ends even more involved in the offensive game plan in 2026.
How tight end position can evolve in 2026
1. Dawson Knox
Knox had a decent 2025 campaign, in which he did a great job both catching passes from Allen and helping lead the way in blocking for the 2025 NFL rushing champ, James Cook. He reeled in 36 catches for 417 yards and 4 touchdowns. The 29-year-old tight end even earned more reps with rookie Jackson Hawes following Dalton Kincaid's nagging injuries.
2026 would be the final year of his 3-year, $29.5 million contract, which he signed in March 2024. If he stays, he will look to continue to lead and help both Kincaid and Hawes take a step forward in their play.
But if the Bills let him go, they may have to think about drafting another young tight end to go along with Kincaid and Hawes.
2. Dalton Kincaid
When Kincaid returns next season, will it finally be his banner year? After a great rookie season in 2023 in which he had 73 catches for 673 yards and two scores, he looked like Allen's version of Kansas City's Travis Kelce.
The last two years, though, have seen a bump in the road in his production. He has fought his battle with numerous injuries, but has still piled up 84 receptions for 1,019 yards and seven scores during this time period.
When he's available, the 26-year-old is one of the emerging young tight ends in the game, but Kincaid has sadly missed reps on the field and lost those reps to Knox alongside Hawes at times last season.
Kincaid is still on contract through 2027, and if the Bills decide to pick up his fifth-year option, he can focus on staying healthy and having a breakout year, which could eventually lead to a long-term contract.
3. Jackson Hawes
The rookie from Georgia Tech exceeded many Bills fans' expectations, including the coaching staff. Initially drafted in the fifth round to be a blocking tight end, he did that as expected.
Fans didn't expect how sneaky good he was as a pass catcher, too, hauling in 16 receptions for 187 yards and three touchdowns. He is still on his rookie contract through 2028, and when the 25-year-old returns, he may have a larger role depending on whether Knox returns or is released for cap reasons.
While it's doubtful the Bills will release Knox, they will still have three tight ends for new head coach Joe Brady's offense. The two coming back in Kincaid and Hawes will look to improve and evolve their game, while Knox will still take on a vital leadership role in this tight end room.