Bills Sign Former Patriots TE as Dawson Knox Starts Camp on NFI List

The Buffalo Bills’ tight end depth has taken a hit, if even for just a short while.

Seeking more help at the position, the Bills on Tuesday announced the signing of Matt Sokol, who most recently spent time on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad.

Dawson Knox, who has split first-team reps with Dalton Kincaid, will begin training camp on the non-football injury list due to a hamstring strain. While the team has not provided a timetable for his return, coach Sean McDermott didn’t sound concerned during his Wednesday press conference, according to Sal Maiorana of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

The 6-foot-6 Sokol has logged only 53 career snaps and has yet to catch a pass. Sokol initially joined the Steelers last July but was cut after the preseason. He was re-signed to the practice squad on Sept. 18 but was cut again a week later. On Nov. 6, he was again signed.

Now he’ll get his shot with Buffalo.

What Teams Has Matt Sokol Played For?

Sokol signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2019. He has been something of a nomad since then, playing for five different franchises before landing with the Bills.

Following multiple stints with the Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Detroit Lions, Sokol spent parts of the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the New England Patriots. He was active on gameday six different times over those two years but played sparingly.

In four seasons at Michigan State (2015-18), Sokol caught 31 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns.

Who is the Bills’ Starting Tight End?

Sokol will get reps in camp behind Kincaid, though there’s no reason to expect him to have more than a minimal role. The 28-year-old Knox, who had 22 catches for 311 yards and a touchdown in 2024, isn’t believed to be out long, and the Bills have no need to rush him back.

Even if Sokol isn’t a factor offensively, he could possibly stick around with Buffalo on special teams. At the very least, he has an opportunity to make a favorable impression on his new coaches over the next few days and weeks.

With Knox out, Kincaid, 25, is essentially locked in as the No. 1 tight end. The 2023 first-round pick (25th overall) saw his numbers dip last season following an impressive rookie campaign, catching 44 passes for 448 yards and two scores in 13 games.

Still, many remain bullish on him. In fact, Pro Football Network recently listed Kincaid as a breakout candidate for this season, saying his “potential remains undeniable.”

“With the Bills not adding significant target competition this offseason, Kincaid is poised to reclaim his role as a focal point of the passing attack,” PFN’s Brandon Austin wrote.