Bills TE Kincaid Avoids Knee Surgery, Eyes 5th-Year Option

Kincaid's PCL injury kept flaring up in 2025, but he'll focus on strengthening muscles to avoid going under the knife.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:47am

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Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid announced he will not need knee surgery this offseason after getting a second opinion on his injured PCL. Kincaid missed four games in 2025 due to the lingering issue, but the team's general manager said they plan to pick up Kincaid's fifth-year option, keeping him in Buffalo through at least 2027.

Why it matters

Kincaid emerged as the Bills' top tight end in 2025, catching 39 passes for 571 yards. His presence was crucial to the team's 11-3 record when he played, so avoiding surgery and keeping him healthy is a priority for the Bills' offense heading into next season.

The details

Kincaid's PCL injury dated back to the 2024 season and continued to flare up throughout the 2025 campaign, causing him to miss four games. However, after consulting with doctors, Kincaid and the team determined surgery was not necessary. Instead, he will focus on strengthening the muscles around his knee through the team's weight training program.

  • Kincaid's PCL injury occurred during the 2024 season.
  • Kincaid missed 4 games in the 2025 season due to the lingering knee issue.
  • Kincaid met with the media on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end who emerged as the team's leading pass-catcher in 2025 before missing time due to a knee injury.

Brandon Beane

Buffalo Bills general manager who confirmed the team plans to pick up Kincaid's fifth-year option, keeping him in Buffalo through at least 2027.

Joe Brady

New head coach of the Buffalo Bills, introduced earlier this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Kincaid confirmed that his torn PCL injury was from the 2024 season and it kept flaring up during the 2025 season.”

— Dalton Kincaid (buffalorumblings.com)

“Beane also said he anticipated picking up Kincaid's fifth-year option later this offseason, keeping him in town through at least 2027.”

— Brandon Beane, Buffalo Bills General Manager (buffalorumblings.com)

What’s next

The Bills will work with Kincaid to strengthen the muscles around his knee in an effort to avoid surgery and keep him healthy for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Kincaid's ability to avoid knee surgery and continue developing as the Bills' top tight end is crucial for an offense that struggled without him in 2025. The team's commitment to picking up his fifth-year option shows their belief in his long-term potential.