2025 Bills positional review: Tight ends
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The Buffalo Bills ended their 2025 campaign feeling like an opportunity had been missed. Buffalo put together another strong season, ending the year with 12 wins. However, losses to New England, Miami, and Atlanta doomed the Bills, causing them to drop from the top of the AFC East standings for the first time in five seasons.
The Bills season, once again, ended heartbreakingly. Buffalo could not finish the job in the AFC Divisional Playoff Round, falling to the Denver Broncos in overtime.
Buffalo started their offseason with a bang, firing head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons at the helm. Owner Terry Pegula highlighted McDermott’s inability to get the team to the Super Bowl as a primary reason for moving on from arguably the franchise’s second-best coach behind Marv Levy.
This series of articles will explore each positional group ahead of free agency. This edition will focus on the tight end position.
Season Review
The tight end group ended up being one of the more productive groups on the Bills roster. Buffalo’s offense leaned heavily on the group, as Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady emphasized the intermediate passing game.
Knox and Hawes were strong as run blockers as well. Their ability to block earned the duo additional snaps, aiding Buffalo as the top rushing team in the league.
Dalton Kincaid fought injuries for another season. However, when he was on the field, Kincaid provided a solid receiving option for Josh Allen. Nevertheless, another injury-filled season prevented Kincaid from getting anywhere near his maximum potential on the field.
Contracts
- Jackson Hawes--through 2028
- Dalton Kincaid--through 2027
- Keleki Latu--through 2027
- Dawson Knox--through 2026
Important Stats
- Dalton Kincaid--39 receptions, 571 yards, 5 touchdowns
- Dawson Knox--36 receptions, 417 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Jackson Hawes--16 receptions, 187 yards, 3 touchdowns
Big Question
When will Dalton Kincaid have his breakout season?
Kincaid had a stellar rookie season in 2023, reeling in 73 receptions for 673 yards and two touchdowns. He was emerging as one of Josh Allen’s favorite targets.
However, the past two seasons have not gone according to plan. Kincaid has battled multiple injuries, as he totaled 84 receptions for 1,019 yards and seven touchdowns during this time. The best ability is availability and unfortunately, Kincaid has not been on the field as often as Buffalo would like.
Kincaid was drafted to be a matchup problem for opposing defenses. The Bills envisioned stretching the field and providing versatility on the field.
The Bills are in a cap crunch right now, leaving the fate of Knox in the air. Buffalo will need Kincaid to take on a larger role, irrespective of the Knox situation.
Buffalo needs a healthy Kincaid if they are to reach their offensive potential. Kincaid’s presence affords Joe Brady more options with the aerial attack.
Draft status
If Buffalo returns their current trio of tight ends, then there will be little need for the Bills to draft a tight end. This could, however, change based on Buffalo’s decision with Dawson Knox. Knox has a potential out this offseason with Buffalo incurring a dead cap hit of $7.4 million. If the Bills exercise this option, then they could look for a replacement in the draft. Buffalo would need to find a player who can do a little bit of everything well.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 2025 Bills positional review: Tight ends
