Buffalo Bills Tight End Preview: Who’s Ready for Training Camp?

When the Bills finally step onto the field for training camp, the tight‑end group will be one of the first units under the microscope. After a year that saw the position swing between a promising sophomore and a veteran who missed time with a nagging hamstring, the coaching staff now has a clear hierarchy, but there’s still room for a surprise.

Dalton Kincaid – the new centerpiece\nKincaid arrived in Buffalo as a 2023 second‑round pick and, despite a rookie season that was more about learning than lighting up the stat sheet, the team decided to lock him up early. In early April, the Bills announced a three‑year extension worth roughly $30 million, a deal that signals they expect him to be the go‑to weapon in the red zone next season. Coaching staff have praised his work ethic, and he’s already chatting about the finer points of route running and blocking with the offensive line during OTAs.

Dawson Knox – the veteran deep threat\nKnox, 30, enters camp with the reputation of being a reliable, 6‑5, 250‑pound target downfield. Last season he logged 37 receptions for 442 yards, but an irritating hamstring strain in the latter half of the year limited him to just nine games. The Bills’ medical staff says the injury is healed, but there’s a lingering “watch‑and‑wait” vibe. If he’s fully recovered, Knox could still be the most explosive option the Bills have at the 12‑yard line, especially on play‑action passes that exploit his speed.

Jackson Hawes – the hopeful undrafted rookie\nHawes didn’t hear his name called on draft day, but he earned a shot in Buffalo as a free‑agent signing in May. A 6‑3, 240‑pound grinder from Texas A&M–Commerce, he spent the 2023 season on the practice squad, taking reps in the scout‑team offense. This summer he’s been working with the special‑teams coach, trying to prove he can contribute in more than one phase. “I’m just trying to stay ready,” Hawes said in a recent interview, “if the ball comes my way, I want to make the most of it.”

How the depth chart could shape up\nHead Coach Sean McDermott is likely to start Kincaid, given the investment the team just made. Knox will probably line up on the second‑string snap count, especially on third‑down situations where his route‑running can stretch defenses. Hawes, meanwhile, will be fighting for a roster spot on the back end of the depth chart and a special‑teams role. The competition will be fierce – a handful of reps in preseason games could be the difference between a contract and a cut.

What to watch for in camp\n- Route precision: Kincaid will need to show he can create separation against NFL‑level defensive backs.\n- Hamstring health: Knox’s snaps will be limited early on, and his ability to stay on the field will be a key storyline.\n- Special‑teams impact: Hawes is banking on his ability to make tackles and block kicks to earn a roster slot.

In short, Buffalo’s tight ends are headed into camp with a clear pecking order, but football is rarely that straightforward. If Knox shakes off his injury fully and Hawes catches fire on special teams, the Bills could finish the preseason with more weapons than they started with.