Buffalo Bills Tight Ends Seek Breakout Season

Dalton Kincaid's health key to unlocking Bills' offensive potential

Feb. 7, 2026 at 12:47pm

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The Buffalo Bills' tight end group was one of the more productive units on the team in 2025, with Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes providing strong run blocking while Dalton Kincaid offered a solid receiving option when healthy. However, Kincaid's inability to stay on the field has prevented him from reaching his full potential, and the Bills will need him to take on a larger role in the offense, especially with Knox's future uncertain due to the team's salary cap situation.

Why it matters

The tight end position is crucial to the Bills' offensive success, as Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady emphasizes the intermediate passing game. With the potential departure of Knox, the Bills will need Kincaid to emerge as a reliable target for quarterback Josh Allen and help the team reach its offensive potential.

The details

In 2025, Dalton Kincaid led the Bills' tight ends with 39 receptions for 571 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Dawson Knox added 36 receptions for 417 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Jackson Hawes contributed 16 receptions for 187 yards and 3 touchdowns. The tight ends were also strong run blockers, helping the Bills become the top rushing team in the league. However, Kincaid's injury issues over the past two seasons have prevented him from building on his stellar rookie campaign in 2023, when he had 73 receptions for 673 yards and 2 touchdowns.

  • The Bills ended their 2025 season with a heartbreaking loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Playoff Round.
  • Head coach Sean McDermott was fired after nine seasons with the team, with owner Terry Pegula citing the inability to reach the Super Bowl as the primary reason for the change.

The players

Dalton Kincaid

A tight end for the Buffalo Bills who has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons after a promising rookie campaign in 2023.

Dawson Knox

A tight end for the Buffalo Bills who is facing an uncertain future with the team due to the team's salary cap situation.

Jackson Hawes

A tight end for the Buffalo Bills who has provided strong run blocking for the team.

Josh Allen

The quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, who will need a healthy and productive tight end group to reach the team's offensive potential.

Joe Brady

The Offensive Coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, who emphasizes the intermediate passing game and the tight end position.

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What’s next

The Bills will need to make a decision on Dawson Knox's future with the team, as his potential departure could lead them to look for a replacement in the draft. Regardless of Knox's status, the Bills will be counting on a healthy and productive season from Dalton Kincaid to help the offense reach its full potential.

The takeaway

The tight end position is crucial to the Bills' offensive success, and the team's ability to get the most out of Dalton Kincaid will be a key factor in their pursuit of a Super Bowl championship. With the potential departure of Dawson Knox, the Bills will need Kincaid to step up and become a reliable target for Josh Allen, providing the offense with the versatility and matchup problems it needs to thrive.