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Dawson Knox Blasts Bills Rookie for Walking Out of Training Camp After Learning Later Pick Earns Bigger Contract

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.

Bills tight end Jackson Hawes looks to punish on the field

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.

Bills likely to ask a lot from late fifth-round rookie who could see 500+  snaps

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.”

Hawes adds grit to Bills with hard-nosed playing style - Olean Times Herald

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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Former Bills WR ‘Betrays’ His Old Team, Claims Josh Allen Runs the Locker Room and Forced Diggs Out — Then Allen Fires Back After Patriots Loss
Buffalo, NY – October 6, 2025 The Buffalo Bills’ 23–20 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday night didn’t just sting on the scoreboard — it reopened old wounds off the field, as former Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens took to social media to gloat and ignite controversy surrounding Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs. Owens, who played for the Bills in 2009, mocked the team’s collapse and claimed their internal chemistry issues are nothing new. “I’ve seen this movie before,” he wrote on X. “The ‘star receiver’ takes the blame, the QB walks free, and the locker room turns toxic. Allen runs that place — Diggs was just the latest casualty.” The post went viral within hours of the Patriots’ upset win, as fans accused Owens of “kicking Buffalo while it’s down.” His remarks echoed long-standing criticism from his own turbulent time with the Bills — when he clashed with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and demanded a trade before being released after one season. Owens’ jab struck a nerve because it aligned with recent headlines linking Diggs’ 2025 exit to tension with Allen. The wideout, now thriving in New England, caught 10 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in the victory — a performance Owens gleefully praised as “karma.” Bills fans flooded social media with outrage. One post with over 40,000 likes read: “TO was all hype, no heart. Now he’s celebrating our loss like he ever mattered here. Pathetic.” Others, however, agreed that the Bills’ locker room chemistry has looked strained since Diggs’ departure. Josh Allen, visibly frustrated after the defeat, fired back when asked about Owens’ comments during the postgame press conference. "You can eat wrong, you can drink wrong — but don’t ever talk wrong," Allen said. "If you can’t help us get better or lift this team when times get tough, then don’t divide us. The Buffalo Bills aren’t just a team — we’re a family. Players come and go, but our values stay the same. Every decision made here is about football, not ego." Teammates quickly rallied around their quarterback. Linebacker Matt Milano reposted Allen’s quote with the caption: “QB1 — built different.” While the Bills fell to 3–2 after the loss, this latest drama has once again fueled debate about Buffalo’s leadership culture — and reignited memories of Owens’ own divisive legacy. In the end, the former star may have enjoyed his moment of schadenfreude, but Allen’s response proved one thing: the locker room still belongs to the Bills — not to their ghosts.