Even before the official start of the league year, each NFL team is fully geared up to begin addressing roster concerns. For the Buffalo Bills, general manager Brandon Beane has his work cut out for him as he attempts to create cap space and fill glaring holes.
Though there are some logical moves, there are more questions than answers. In this series, we will take a look at each position group: the known entities, the pending free agents, and who we would love to see added. Today, we will focus on one of the more predictable groups on the team: tight end.
The Buffalo Bills 2026 offseason playbook for the tight end position
The known quantities
Dalton Kincaid remains the de facto No.1 tight end on the depth chart, and with good reason. Injuries played a key role in his 2025, limiting him to 12 games. That said, Kincaid was dynamic and perhaps the only true deep threat the Bills seemed to have.
Kincaid set career highs in yards per reception (14.6) and touchdowns (five), and likely would have surpassed his yardage totals if not for injuries. He has a natural connection with quarterback Josh Allen, and figures heavily into the plans for the 2026 offense.
The other tight end that will definitely be back is Jackson Hawes. A fifth-round pick in 2025, Hawes immediately won favor with the Bills coaching staff for his strong blocking. Though his sample size as a receiver is limited – just 19 targets – he did haul in 16 catches for an 11.7 yards-per-catch average and three touchdowns.
Hawes may see a bit more usage as a receiver in 2026, but will likely be the primary blocking option at the position. He doesn’t have the dynamic ability that Kincaid does and will likely play a clear backup role as a result.
Free Agents who could come back
The Bills technically don’t have a free agent at the position, but for all intents and purposes, Dawson Knox is being treated as one. His $17.8 million cap hit is untenable, and Beane said as much. The 96th overall pick in 2019, Knox has become a valuable contributor to this team and is Allen’s best friend.
If he is willing to restructure his deal and return on a pay cut, the Bills will no doubt be happy to have him back. He had nearly the same level of production across the board as Kincaid, but was also limited to 12 games because of injuries.
Knox would be welcome back because he is the most complete tight end on the roster, not to mention the positive impact he has on the dressing room. His addition also gives new head coach Joe Brady a bit more versatility from the position.
Preferred moves
The preferred – and only – move is to sign Kincaid to a lower cap number and bring him back into the fold. He has intangibles that can’t be measured and is clearly a positive influence on the team. Only if he is unwilling to take a pay cut should the team move on.
If that does wind up being the case, a veteran like Austin Hooper or Tyler Higbee would be a fine addition to act as the backup for Kincaid while still allowing Hawes to see an increased role in the offense.
Bills Tight End Outlook for 2026
Much like the plan at quarterback, things mostly seem status quo for the Bills. Though it wouldn’t be shocking to see Knox go, expect him back for now. That would give the Bills the same trio at the position that they had in 2026.
When healthy, the Bills have a nice combination of blocking and receiving between Kincaid, Knox, and Hawes. With the right additions to the receiver room and improved health from Kincaid, the position could feature more prominently in 2026.