TE Dawson Knox is heading into a contract year after breaking out in 2021
Recap of his 2021 season
Going into the 2021 season, Dawson Knox felt real pressure to perform based on his up-and-down first two years in Buffalo after being drafted in the third round. Well, Knox either loves the pressure or it just took him a couple of years to figure his game out because he had the best year of his career, and it wasn’t even close.
In 15 games, Knox had 49 receptions for 587 yards and nine touchdowns. Those nine touchdowns were tied for the most in the NFL by TEs, and he nearly doubled his touchdowns from his first two seasons combined (5). In addition, his drop rate was the lowest out of his three seasons, sitting at 5.6%, and his passer rating when targeted was 127.8, as he became one of Josh Allen’s favorite targets. Knox went from an afterthought in the offense to someone who was getting legit targets and also became Allen’s favorite red-zone target. Here’s Knox’s numbers from the playoff game vs. New England:
What is next for Knox?
After a third-year breakout by Knox, the expectations are going through the roof. He became a vital part of the offense in his third year and is again expected to play a significant role in any success the Bills have on offense.
GM Brandon Beane did bring in O.J. Howard to become the No. 2 TE, which can only help Knox. Knox has no threat of losing the No. 1 TE job, but having Howard on the field at the same time when the Bills run two TE sets will only open up lanes and avenues for Knox.
Knox must first stay healthy and on the field to have another productive year in Buffalo. Yes, I know he did play 15 games last season, but look at the passer rating he had last year when targeted. When he’s on the field it adds an important piece to the Allen and the offense. Allen relies on him a ton down the stretch.
I also see a lot of people saying he needs to increase his yardage, and well, that is true. You would love to see him around the 700-yard mark, but if Knox is bringing in 8-9 touchdowns and his drop rate isn’t high then he instantly becomes your best red-zone target. With the number of weapons that the Bills have, I think you should be okay with just having Knox as a tremendous red-zone target. But if he’s left open outside of the red-zone, then by all means…
Does he deserve a long-term extension with the Bills?
This is where this conversation becomes a little tricky. With the amount of talent Beane has brought in through the draft and free agency, the reality is that you can’t re-sign everyone. After this season, Knox becomes a free agent, Jordan Poyer (hopefully that gets done soon) does as well, and so do Tremaine Edmunds and Devin Singletary. But then, in 2024, Gabe Davis and Ed Oliver become free agents.
Beane will not be able to bring back everyone that I just mentioned. I think the TE position is one of the most accessible positions to replace unless you have a Travis Kelce type of player, which the Bills do not. I guess signing Knox to a long-term extension is not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination, but for some of the guys I mentioned above, I would rather have them long-term because I think their positions are harder to replace. Knox could be a Bill long-term, but the Bills will have to have a plan in place if they decide to let Knox walk at the end of the year.
Bills Mafia what are your thoughts on Dawson Knox? What would you need to see this season to justify a long-term contract extension?
