The Buffalo Bills had a clear priority this offseason. After a subpar defensive performance in 2024, the Bills wanted to improve on that side of the football, taking risky bets on Joey Bosa and Michael Hoecht. As a result, they didn’t focus much on offensive improvements.
The thought process might center around their youngsters taking a step forward while Josh Allen continues his MVP ways. However, one analyst believes they are set to gain a major boost from TE Dalton Kincaid, who is entering the third year of his NFL career.
Can Dalton Kincaid Breakout In 2025 for Buffalo?
After a collegiate career that included stints at San Diego and Utah, Dalton Kincaid was an awesome tight end prospect coming into the 2023 NFL Draft, resulting in the Buffalo Bills taking a swing at him with the 25th overall pick. Almost immediately, he paid off their trust with a spectacular rookie season.
Tallying 673 yards and two touchdowns in Year 1, Kincaid appeared poised to be a huge portion of the offense, as his 73 receptions were a Buffalo franchise record for most receptions by a tight end, while also being the outright record for all rookies.
Every Dalton Kincaid target (playoffs included) from Year 2 pic.twitter.com/9H64Eb7FLV
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) July 2, 2025
However, injuries limited him to just 13 games in 2024, leading to a drop in his overall statistics and a noticeable lack of chemistry with Allen. However, all hope isn’t lost yet. Quite the opposite.
Listing down the best candidates for a breakout in 2025 on each team, Brandon Austin of PFSN had none other than Kincaid pencilled in for the Bills. However, Austin acknowledged his rather pedestrian year in his second season.
“Kincaid ran fewer routes, saw fewer targets, and posted the lowest catch rate among qualified tight ends in 2024. The season ended on a sour note, as the young tight end had a crucial drop in the AFC Championship Game loss to the Chiefs,” he wrote.
But that wasn’t enough for him to give up on the youngster’s potential. Calling it “undeniable,” he made a point to note, “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.”
Of course, his resurgence is a huge if, but as Austin wrote, “If he can regain chemistry with Allen, Kincaid could be due for a bounce-back campaign.” For a team whose prize offseason acquisition to the receiving core was Joshua Palmer, the reliance might once again be on the run game, led by Allen himself.
Every Dalton Kincaid target (playoffs included) from Year 2 pic.twitter.com/9H64Eb7FLV
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) July 2, 2025
However, if they want to diversify the offense further and avoid repeating their postseason problems, someone from the current core must take a significant step forward.
Keon Coleman might be another popular name to take the jump, but Kincaid seizing the opportunity shouldn’t surprise anyone.
