Dawson Knox

Career StatsB

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		103	229	2,694	27
2025		17	36	417	4
2024		16	22	311	1
2023		13

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Dawson Knox's contract earns a B- Contract Value Index, with the AAV sitting where the comparable-tier deals tend to settle. At $6.67M annually over three years through 2028, Knox is priced as a solid-starter tight end—not a franchise cornerstone, not a bargain depth piece, but rather a reliable mid-tier veteran that Buffalo's front office has deemed worth retaining amid broader roster churn. His 2025 production (417 receiving yards across 17 games) aligns with that valuation: competent contributor output that fills a role without creating explosive upside, and it matches the performance grade of B that reflects exactly what you'd expect from a seven-year veteran in his prime years. The contract restructure Knox accepted, combined with his simultaneous emergence in cut-candidate discussions, signals cap constraints on Buffalo's end rather than concerns about his on-field capability—a distinction that keeps the CVI grounded but introduces tenure risk. At age 29 with a three-year deal, Knox's contract assumes he remains a trusted piece of the Bills' passing game architecture, but the organizational reshuffling (recent signings at receiver and linebacker paired with multiple roster cuts) frames him as part of a continuity strategy rather than a centerpiece investment. The CVI reflects that equilibrium: fair value for a veteran plug-and-play starter whose long-term standing hinges entirely on whether Buffalo's win-now calculus holds and whether his production sustains at current levels.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Dawson's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Dawson Knox is a seven-year Buffalo Bills veteran and reliable mid-tier tight end in his prime at 29. The 103-game veteran operates as Josh Allen's secondary receiving threat in a high-octane passing attack. Knox carries a B-grade assessment, reflecting solid production within a defined complementary role alongside elite weapons. Knox's current-season metrics reveal above-average efficiency across key receiving categories. He's averaging 11.6 yards per reception—well above the NFL average of 9.19—and posting 24.5 receiving yards per game compared to the league average of 10.67. His touchdown rate of 0.24 per game also exceeds the NFL benchmark of 0.13, suggesting efficient red-zone usage. The concern lies in overall volume and consistency; Knox has shown declining trajectory, dropping from a C+ in 2025 to a C in 2024 and C- in 2023. Knox represents the archetype of a complementary tight end who maximizes limited opportunities rather than demanding a high target share. His per-touch efficiency remains respectable, but his ceiling appears capped as Buffalo continues to prioritize wideouts and running backs. Moving forward, Knox's value hinges on maintaining current efficiency rates and sustaining health through his age-30 season. If target volume increases, his above-average yards-per-reception could translate into meaningful season totals; if utilization continues to decline, he risks becoming a depth piece. Monitor his snap-count participation and red-zone touches as key indicators for 2026 relevance.

How Dawson Compares at the Position

Dawson Knox ranks 28th of 164 graded tight ends by performance. That slots Dawson between Evan Engram (B) just ahead and Cade Otton (B) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Dawson Knox enters 2026 as a dependable veteran tight end whose standing with the Bills organization and fan base has solidified through recent contract extension and retention signals. The media narrative around Knox is decidedly positive, emphasizing his importance to Buffalo's offensive scheme and recognizing him as a franchise cornerstone at the position—a marked contrast to typical backup or role-player coverage. His acceptance of a pay-cut restructure demonstrates mutual commitment and suggests the Bills view him as a long-term solution rather than a transitional piece. While Knox lacks Pro Bowl or All-Pro accolades that would elevate him to elite-tier perception, his seven-year tenure, consistent production (229 career receptions, 2,694 yards), and recent community recognition indicate stable, respected veteran status. Fan and media perception reflects a well-regarded starter whose value is appreciated locally, though national prominence remains limited to Bills-centric discussions rather than league-wide acclaim.