The Buffalo Bills drafted two young, promising tight ends last year in Dawson Knox and Tommy Sweeney, with Knox ultimately winning the starting job. It’s no secret, however, that Knox had his fair share of rookie moments in 2019. Despite the addition of Tyler Kroft last offseason, Knox and Sweeney could both benefit from the Bills bringing in an experienced free agent, like they did with Frank Gore and Devin Singletary. With that being said let’s look at who's on the market this offseason.
Greg Olsen
Although he turns 35 in March, Olsen is the best option among this year’s free-agent tight ends. Olsen hauled in 52 passes for 596 yards in 14 games in 2019, which led all Bills tight ends combined. Olsen’s age and health are in question, but he would still likely be the Bills’ best option at the position heading into the season. His veteran leadership might just be what Knox and Sweeney need. With the fourth-most cap space in the league, Buffalo seems like a very realistic landing spot for Olsen on a one- or two-year deal.
Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry is probably going to be the most expensive tight end on the market this offseason but as we've already established, the Bills have the money to pay him. Whether they will or not is a different story. Henry is quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s premiere tight ends and with Phillip Rivers out of L.A. and the team in football limbo, Henry could very well be in a different jersey next season. If the Bills managed to bring in Henry it most likely means Knox would take a backseat. In return the team would be getting itself one of the best tight ends in the league. It’s a long shot but not out of the realm of possibility.
Eric Ebron
Ebron is just two years removed from a Pro Bowl nomination when he hauled in 13 touchdown passes. With Jack Doyle seeming to be the guy for the Indianapolis Colts, Ebron is set to hit the open market in 2020. His injury history is concerning but, like Olsen, he would provide a veteran voice in the tight end room and would be the Bills’ best option come Week 1. Despite only starting two games in 2019, Ebron caught 31 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns. Ebron still has a lot to give and the Bills could be in the market for someone like him.
Tyler Eifert
Eifert is another case of a player who's injury prone but would bring a lot to the locker and film/meeting rooms. Early in his career it seemed like Eifert was going to be one of the league’s best at the position but injuries have sidelined him for most of his career. Eifert would be a relatively cheap get for the Bills and again would bring in some much needed experience. The Cincinnati Bengals tight end only started four games in 2019 but managed to catch 43 passes for 436 yards and three scores. If Eifert remains healthy and Brandon Beane makes an offer he can't refuse, Eifert could be the Bills’ TE1 heading into next season.