Popular Bills veteran could make over $1 million with Jets game

Buffalo may be playing a meaningless game against the New York Jets on Sunday, Jan. 4, but it's a big deal to some Bills who are trying to hit incentive bonuses before the regular season ends.

In all, 24 Bills players have incentive bonuses in their contracts, with most of those inducements tied to statistical milestones during the regular season, according to Spotrac. But just five of those guys have some form of playoff incentives.

That means the Jets game is the last chance for these players to squeeze some extra cash from their contracts.

We aren't talking pocket change here, with incentives ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 depending on the player.

But there's one catch: Some of these players won't be playing on Sunday to avoid injuries before the playoffs. Those players on offense who do end up playing could have limited production.

Here's who could earn a big payday on Sunday:

Tre'Davious White could make well-deserved bonus

Bills CB Tre'Davious White is no longer the player he was when he entered the NFL in 2017. But he's quietly given Buffalo way more than they could rightly expect.

White will make $1 million in incentives for playing time if he keeps his defensive snaps count above 65%. He's currently at 69.9%. If he raises that 75% of defensive snaps, it jumps to $1.5

He also has one interception. One more and he gets $250K.

White has started 15 games this season for the Bills. The last time he did that was in 2019.

Dawson Knox has money on the table

Dawson Knox’s 2025 stat line stands at 34 catches for 393 yards and 3 TDs. Though shy of his career-best 2021 season (49 catches, 587 yards, 9 TDs), it is his third-best season since entering the league as a third-round draft pick in 2019.

The tight end is 7 yards ($100,000) and a touchdown ($150,000) from banking $250,000. Knox's production in the last game depends entirely on whether, and how long, Josh Allen plays vs. the Jets. Given that he's had at least one catch in 14 of the Bills 16 games this season, the yardage bonus should be a layup.

The one bonus that might be beyond the veteran tight end's reach is 40 receptions ($100K). While he's had one 6-reception game this season — 6 catches for 93 yards in a 39-34 track meet against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 — don't expect something similar against the lowly Jets.

Knox might be playing in his final home game with Bills

If he does hit all three bonuses, it would be a fitting end to what could be his final home game. Veteran Bills reporter Sal Maiorana says there has been talk that the Bills might move on from Knox before next season because he’s due to count a whopping $17 million against the salary cap and by releasing him post-June 1, 2026, the team could save $12 million.

If this indeed is his final year, he'll leave Buffalo as the second-most prolific tight end in Bills history. His 2,670 receiving yards ranks second behind Pete Metzelaars (2,921 yards). Knox is the all-time leader among Buffalo tight ends in touchdowns (26).

Eight other Bills near bonus milestones

• DaQuan Jones needs one more sack (currently at 3) to earn $250K. He did not play in Week 17.
• Joey Bosa has five sacks and is one away from a $250K bonus. Bosa has played 60.2% defensive snaps so far in 2025. That means he is unlikely to qualify for a $250,000 playing time bonus if he's on the field for 65% of snaps.
• Khalil Shakir has four touchdowns this season. One more and he gets $150K. Two more (6) and he pockets another $150,000.
• A.J. Epenesa has played 43.4% defensive snaps in 2025. If he gets that to 45%, he makes $250,000. However, he popped up on the Bills injury report on Thursday due to an illness.

• Christian Benford has two interceptions and is two away from $400,000.
• Matt Milano (currently has played 52.7% defensive snaps) pockets $250K if he hits 55%. The oft-injured linebacker also has 3.5 sacks; 1.5 more and it's an extra $500K.
• Ty Johnson is 53 receiving yards ($125K) and two touchdowns ($250K) away from cashing $375,000 in total incentives.
• Cam Lewis has played 37.3% of defensive snaps. If he keeps it above 35%, he earns $150K. If Lewis manages to get it to 40%, that bonus becomes $200,000.

— Bill Wolcott is a producer who helps cover the Buffalo Bills, high school and Rochester sports in general. The lifelong New Yorker has been a journalist for 31 years.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bills veteran TreDavious White could make over $1 million in Jets game