The Buffalo Bills have found a surprise star in rookie tight end Jackson Hawes, who has quickly become one of the team’s best blockers and a steady goal-line target.
His emergence could push the Bills to part ways with another veteran tight end, with one insider predicting the team will move him at the upcoming trade deadline in exchange for some NFL Draft capital.
Bills Could Say Goodbye to Dawson Knox
Analyst Matt Verderame of SI.com proposed trades for all 32 NFL teams, suggesting the Atlanta Falcons could look to the Bills for another piece on offense. Verderame proposed the Billstrade tight end Dawson Knox to Atlanta in exchange for a fifth-round pick, getting rid of the veteran and his four-year, $52 million contract.
The Panthers find themselves in a peculiar position,” Verderame wrote. “They should rebuild again, but it might be too soon to pull the plug on what coach Dave Canales has built the past season and a half. It’s the slowest rebuild in the NFL, but they’re at least trying to move forward, unlike a few other organizations.
Verderame wrote that if the Falcons try to make a push behind their young quarterback, they could use a veteran like Knox.
The Panthers should see this through with Bryce Young for at least the entirety of this season,” Verderame wrote. “Knox, 28, has gotten lost a bit in Buffalo since the team drafted Dalton Kincaid in the first round two years ago. Also, the Billsare starting to utilize rookie tight end Jackson Hawes.
Knox was once a favorite target of quarterback Josh Allen, but saw his role shrink after the team used a first-round pick on tight end Dalton Kincaid in 2023.
Knox had just 22 receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns in 2023 and followed it with 22 receptions for 311 yards and one score last season. Knox continues to play a small role in the offense, making four receptions for 39 total yards this year.
Trade Would Clear Path for Rookie Tight End
The Bills may be comfortable trading Knox thanks to the rise of Hawes, who quickly grew out of his role as a primary blocking tight end. He has four receptions for 54 yards and one touchdown so far this year, outpacing Knox in terms of playing time.
The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia called Hawes an emerging star, which could force the Bills into a decision on Knox’s future in Buffalo.