The Buffalo Bills and tight end Dawson Knox have agreed to a restructured contract ahead of the 2025 NFL season. This adjustment, finalized in March 2024, was essential for the team to become compliant with the 2024 salary cap. Typically, such restructures involve converting base salary into signing bonuses to spread the cap hit over future years.
In Knox’s case, he accepted a pay cut in 2024, reducing his fully guaranteed $10.5 million cash to $8.5 million. In return, the Bills guaranteed $4.5 million of his 2025 salary, providing Knox with greater financial security in the upcoming season .
Additionally, the Bills converted a portion of Knox’s salary and roster bonus into a signing bonus, prorating the cap hit over the remaining years of his contract. They also added void years to further spread out the cap impact. These moves reduced Knox’s 2024 cap hit from $14.3 million to approximately $7.7 million, offering the team more flexibility to make other roster moves .
The restructured deal also makes it more challenging for the Bills to part ways with Knox in 2025. His dead cap hit for that year is nearly $17 million, and his cap hit if retained is around $14 million. This structure effectively secures Knox’s place on the roster for the 2025 season unless a significant change occurs .
Knox’s role in the offense saw a decline in 2023, partly due to injuries and the emergence of rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid. He missed five games with a wrist injury and recorded 22 receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Despite this, the Bills’ decision to restructure his contract indicates their intent to retain him and potentially revitalize his involvement in the offense .
This move also aligns with the Bills’ broader strategy to manage their salary cap while maintaining key players. By restructuring contracts and making strategic roster decisions, the team aims to remain competitive in the AFC East and beyond.
