After drafting Dalton Kincaid in the first round in 2023, the Buffalo Bills initially planned to run a two-tight end offense with Dawson Knox and Kincaid. However, with Kincaid demonstrating his potential as an elite tight end, Knox might now be considered expendable. This situation could benefit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ryan Heckman of The Pewter Plank suggested that the Buccaneers should trade for Knox, who was a Pro Bowler in 2022. This move could provide another option at tight end behind current starter Cade Otton, or even replace Otton as the starter.
“One position Bucs fans thought the team might address this offseason is at tight end,” Heckman wrote. “But, Tampa Bay didn’t do anything notable there. Instead, they will enter the 2024 season with Cade Otton as the starter, unless another player unexpectedly steps up.
“Alternatively, the Bucs could trade for someone like Dawson Knox. The Bills, after drafting Dalton Kincaid last year, used both tight ends frequently in 2023. But with the Bills transitioning from the Stefon Diggs era, trading Knox could be logical. Buffalo will likely feature rookie Keon Coleman and veteran Curtis Samuel while planning for next offseason to add more talent.”
Knox Has Talent to Still Be Featured Tight End
Knox has been a reliable part of Buffalo’s offense for the past five seasons. In 2021, he achieved career highs in receptions (49), receiving yards (587), and touchdowns (9). In 2022, he made the Pro Bowl with 48 receptions for 517 yards and 6 touchdowns.
However, in 2023, Knox missed five games due to a wrist injury, finishing with career lows in receptions (22), receiving yards (186), and touchdowns. During his absence, Kincaid emerged with 73 receptions for 673 yards and 2 touchdowns.
If Knox returns to form in 2024, he could be a viable TE1 option for the Buccaneers, surpassing Otton, a fourth-round pick in 2022 who started all 17 games in 2023 with 47 receptions for 455 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Bucs Historically Weak at Tight End
The Buccaneers have historically lacked strong tight ends, with no player in franchise history earning NFL All-Pro honors. Dave Moore was the last tight end to make the Pro Bowl in 2006, though he did so as a long snapper. The most dominant tight end in Buccaneers history is Jimmie Giles, who played from 1978 to 1986, earning four Pro Bowl selections and surpassing 600 receiving yards three times.
