Dawkins, a five-time Pro Bowler since 2021, is under a three-year, $60 million contract. If the Bills were to move him before June 1, they would incur a $26 million dead-cap hit in 2026, limiting the immediate cap relief they’d receive from such a trade.
Trading Dawkins would be a difficult move to justify, given how hard it is to replace a premier left tackle. While the Bills could net multiple valuable draft picks, giving up one of their best offensive pieces would complicate the Josh Allen era and the team’s chances of remaining a high-scoring offense.
Some observers believe a trade could be a smart way to recoup draft capital as Buffalo restructures under new leadership. With Bills hire Joe Brady as the new head coach, there’s a belief the team may want to retain core offensive pieces, and trading a cornerstone like Dawkins could send the wrong message to Allen and the locker room.
Beyond Dawkins, Ballentine suggests Buffalo could pursue a significant offseason upgrade—targeting a star wide receiver or a premier pass rusher to bolster the roster. Such moves might require parting with a first-round pick, reflecting Buffalo’s ongoing win-now approach in a more competitive AFC.
This analysis was reported via Heavy Sports, based on Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine’s assessment of Buffalo’s offseason options.
