The Buffalo Bills continue to sit among the NFL’s elite, but with their championship window wide open, every roster move carries heavy significance. Analysts believe the team could look to adjust its roster balance by leveraging some of its veteran assets, especially in positions where depth is already strong.
One potential move gaining traction comes from Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame, who suggested the Bills could trade veteran tight end Dawson Knox to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. The deal would not only clear $29.5 million in cap space but also allow Buffalo to gain valuable draft capital for future flexibility.
Verderame pointed out that the Panthers are in a unique rebuilding stage under head coach Dave Canales, trying to find long-term stability around young quarterback Bryce Young. Adding Knox could bring a reliable veteran target to a developing offense still searching for consistency. While the rebuild has been slow, Canales’ staff is attempting to build continuity and competitiveness with measured progress.
Knox’s situation in Buffalo has changed dramatically since the arrival of Dalton Kincaid, the talented first-round tight end who has taken over much of the offensive workload. The emergence of rookie Jackson Hawes has further limited Knox’s opportunities, leaving the once-prominent playmaker with only six receptions for 54 yards so far this season.
Despite the decline in production, Knox remains deeply respected in Buffalo’s locker room. He’s been a crucial part of the team’s rise in recent years, admired for his leadership, toughness, and chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen. His standout 2021 season — 49 catches, 587 yards, and nine touchdowns — remains a reminder of the impact he’s capable of making when fully utilized.
Trading Knox would undoubtedly disappoint fans, many of whom see him as a symbol of Buffalo’s homegrown core. However, with the Bills pushing for financial flexibility and exploring ways to strengthen depth in other positions, the move could make strategic sense. The team’s offense has continued to evolve, and reallocating resources may help balance the roster ahead of a demanding playoff run.
If Buffalo uses the potential draft pick to secure another key contributor — perhaps on the defensive line or at wide receiver — the decision could pay off long-term. While parting with a fan favorite is never easy, the Bills have shown a willingness to make difficult choices in pursuit of the ultimate goal: bringing a Super Bowl title to Buffalo.
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