Bills Weigh Trading Veteran Lineman Dawkins

Salary cap concerns could force Buffalo to part ways with longtime starter

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Buffalo Bills are facing a tight salary cap situation this offseason, leading to speculation that they may trade veteran offensive lineman Dion Dawkins. Dawkins, 32, has the second-highest cap hit on the team and is set to make $16.8 million in cash in 2026. With the Bills needing to create cap space, trading Dawkins could save them around $2.85 million, though it would also accelerate $22 million in dead cap charges.

Why it matters

Dawkins has been a key part of the Bills' offensive line and a respected leader in the locker room. Losing him could weaken the team's offensive line and disrupt team chemistry, but the potential cap savings may force the Bills' hand as they look to re-sign other key free agents like David Edwards and Connor McGovern.

The details

Dawkins is entering the final year of his contract and is coming off a solid but not great season in which he missed a game due to a concussion. The Bills could look to replace him with younger, cheaper options like Ryan Van Demark or by moving Spencer Brown to left tackle full-time. While trading Dawkins would create short-term cap relief, it would also accelerate over $22 million in dead cap charges for the team.

  • Dawkins is set to make a $500,000 roster bonus in March and a $500,000 workout bonus prior to training camp.
  • The Bills have roughly -$10 million in cap space for 2026 and need to make moves to get under the cap.

The players

Dion Dawkins

A 32-year-old offensive tackle who has been a starter for the Buffalo Bills since 2017 and was named the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2025.

Ryan Van Demark

A Bills offensive lineman who filled in capably for Dawkins when he missed a game due to a concussion.

Spencer Brown

A Bills offensive lineman who has cross-trained at left tackle and could potentially replace Dawkins as the full-time starter.

Josh Allen

The Bills' star quarterback, whom the team is committed to protecting with their offensive line investments.

David Edwards

A Bills free agent left guard who is expected to command a significant contract this offseason.

Connor McGovern

A Bills free agent center who is also expected to receive a lucrative contract this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The number one goal he has is to protect Josh Allen, pointing to the offensive line investment they've made.”

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

What’s next

The Bills will need to decide on Dawkins' future by the fifth day of the league year in March, when his $500,000 roster bonus is due. They could trade him, release him, or keep him on the roster, but any move would need to be weighed against the team's overall salary cap situation and plans to re-sign other key free agents.

The takeaway

The Bills face a difficult decision on Dion Dawkins, a respected veteran and key part of their offensive line. While trading him could provide short-term cap relief, it would also come at a significant cost in dead cap charges and could disrupt team chemistry. The Bills will need to carefully evaluate their options and priorities as they look to build a competitive roster around Josh Allen for 2026 and beyond.