Dawson Knox Blasts Bills Rookie for Walking Out of Training Camp After Learning Later Pick Earns Bigger Contract
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Pittsford, NY – The Buffalo Bills’ training camp was thrown into turmoil today when rookie tight end Jackson Hawes abruptly walked off the practice field, igniting controversy and raising questions about focus and commitment inside the locker room.
The flashpoint came during a red-zone session, where the second-team offense lost rhythm after Hawes stormed off. According to team sources, the rookie’s frustration boiled over after he discovered a contract imbalance: despite being drafted in the fifth round, Hawes’ deal — four years, $4.25 million with a $325,000 signing bonus and $810,000 guaranteed — fell short of sixth-round cornerback Dorian Strong’s contract, which totaled $4.8 million with $400,000 up front and $900,000 guaranteed.
Veteran tight end Dawson Knox did not mince words when asked about the walkout.
“Walking out of practice just because of a contract issue? In Buffalo, we stay on the field, bleed red, white, and blue, and prove we belong. We’ve turned down bigger deals just to keep wearing these colors. If you leave, you’re only giving your spot to someone hungrier,” Knox said.
Hawes’ absence forced offensive coordinator Joe Brady to reshuffle his personnel, leaning heavily on undrafted rookies and practice-squad hopefuls to cover tight end reps. The disruption underscored just how quickly a contract drama can ripple through a depth chart still fighting for stability.
Head coach Sean McDermott weighed in briefly, steering the focus back to culture:
“Mentality is everything. We want players who embrace competition and don’t let outside noise pull them off the field.”
Meanwhile, Strong — the rookie at the center of the disparity — continued to showcase his coverage skills and drew praise from staff for his composure, even as the controversy unfolded.
With preseason kickoff looming, Buffalo is eager to re-center on preparation. But for a team preaching resilience and unity, the rookie walkout has already cast a shadow over camp, spotlighting the fine line between personal frustration and team-first mentality.
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