The Buffalo Bills have historically had a lot of talent at the skill positions. When it comes to quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, there are more than enough players to choose from to create an “all-time” team.
With Dawson Knox’s new contract, the Bills are running back what could definitely be argued as their best tight end room ever. The position itself has long been underrated, but who are the names that stand out as some of the most underrated tight ends in franchise history?
Buffalo Bills' 3 most underrated tight ends in franchise history
Jay Riemersma (1997-2002)
It doesn’t take much to get to the top of the Bills’ all-time receptions leaders when it comes to tight ends. Pete Metzelaars leads with 2,921 yards, but that will likely be surpassed by Knox at some point this season. Keep that in mind when talking about Riemersma.
Riemersma was huge at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, more known for his blocking than his receiving. He developed into a pretty good weapon in the 400-500-yard range while chipping in a handful of touchdowns each season. He had nearly 600 yards in 2001, showcasing his ability as a receiver while playing a well-rounded game.
Charles Clay (2015-2018)
The rosters from the last few years of the drought are an interesting bunch, perhaps none more interesting than Clay. He isn’t a historically notable name, but he was clearly one of the go-to targets during the Tyrod Taylor era in Buffalo.
Clay finished second on the team in 2015 and 2016 before leading a porous receiving group in 2017 with 558 receiving yards. If anything, Clay may have been the most consistently dynamic receiver at the position during one of the most unnoteworthy periods in franchise history.
Paul Costa (1965-1972)
This is one of the most interesting names in franchise history when you look back at his career. In his first two seasons in the AFL, Costa was a Pro Bowl tight end with almost exactly 400 yards on the nose. He blew up for 726 yards in his third season, showing himself to be a growing threat.
And yet, by his fifth season, he wasn’t even a tight end anymore. He shifted to right tackle, becoming a starter for two seasons before ultimately fading away. That he was a very good tight end and ultimately shifted to being a starter at another position is pretty noteworthy in and of itself.
Re-Writing History
The current group of tight ends is arguably the most dynamic in team history. Dalton Kincaid has become one of the premier receiving threats for this team (when healthy) with Knox serving as the best of both worlds between receiving and blocking.
Knox will likely take over the top spot in terms of receiving yards this season, but it may not be long before he gives way to Kincaid, who already has 1,700 yards in three seasons.
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