Orchard Park, NY (WGR550) - Much like quarterback and running back, today’s position in my State of the Bills series is pretty straightforward when it comes to the depth chart.
Let’s take a look at the tight ends.
TIGHT END
Under Contract:
- Dalton Kincaid
- Dawson Knox
- Jackson Hawes
- Keleki Latu
The Bills tight end room has an excellent blend of skill-sets the team was able to tap into and utilize last year. That should continue in 2026, and maybe even moreso, but Dalton Kincaid’s health will play a big factor in that.
Kincaid injured his knee and missed four games in 2024, then missed five games last year with knee injuries and issues. After the season, Kincaid said it was a torn PCL he suffered in 2024 and it kept flaring up and causing issues last year.
Kincaid was very productive when he was on the field, but it always seemed to be a guessing game whether or not he’d be available each week. When he was, he caught 39 passes for 571 yards in just 12 games and scored five touchdowns.
Those numbers were good for Kincaid finishing tenth in the NFL amongst all tight ends with 47.6 yards per game and second-most at his position (minimum 20 catches) with 14.6 yards per reception. He led all tight ends in the league with 2.76 yards per route run.
The Bills exercised Kincaid’s fifth-year option for 2027, so he’s under contract for two more years.
While Kincaid was out or dealing with injuries, Dawson Knox stepped up and filled a big role for the offense, catching 36 passes for 417 yards and four touchdowns. All of those numbers were the most he’s had in three years.
While Knox doesn’t do anything exceptional, he does a lot really well, including blocking in the run game. The Bills are very confident having him on the field in all situations, evidenced by his 57.7% snap count usage, the most on offense of any lineman or quarterback.
Knox’ salary cap number was scheduled to be over $17 million in 2026, but that changed when he and the Bills agreed to a two-year contract extension. He’s now on the books for $8.55 million this year and under contract through 2028.
Jackson Hawes came to the Bills as a fifth-round pick out of Georgia Tech last year, and was regarded as the best blocking tight end in the draft.
He lived up to that reputation, and was a big part of the rushing attack as a blocker for league’s leading rusher James Cook, playing over 43% of the snaps.
He also showed he can contribute in the passing game, grabbing 16 passes on 19 targets for 187 yards and three scores. Hawes will no doubt be a big part of the offense again in 2026, giving the team the ability to go with a heavier, blocking-oriented personnel, but still be able to throw the ball from that set.
Keleki Latu spent all season on the practice squad until he was signed to the active roster in late December. Even prior to that, he had been elevated three times, ultimately playing in five games and catching all four targets thrown his way for 35 yards.
The 6-7, 244 pound Latu is much more in the Kincaid-mold of a pass-catching tight end then he is like Hawes as a blocker, but with this group of four, the Bills are very well-equipped to use their tight ends in a variety of ways depending on opponent and scheme they want to attack.
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