Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins has agreed to a four-year contract extension until the 2024 season, the team announced Thursday.
The contract is $ 60 million and includes $ 34 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Dawkins, entering the final year of his rookie contract, has been a mainstay of the left tackle since being selected in the second round of the 2017 Draft. He had no hesitation in wanting to stay at Buffalo.
“My main priority is to improve myself, and I know that if I keep growing, learning and improving myself, eventually all the chips will drop,” Dawkins told ESPN in March. “Regarding a new contract, I’m not worried. Whatever is supposed to happen is going to happen.
“I’m trying to be in Buffalo forever, so I just have to do my part, and when the time comes, I’ll be happy to sign on that dotted line.
Dawkins has started 43 games in the past three seasons and served as team captain in 2019, contributing as much to the team’s culture as to its offensive line. He is the first player in the 2017 draft class – the first on the team under coach Sean McDermott – to receive a contract extension.
Not only is Dawkins a valuable asset protecting the blind side of third-year quarterback Josh Allen, he’s a threat as a receiver as well. He’s recorded one receiving touchdown in each of the past two seasons, tying for sixth by an offensive lineman since 1970.
With the extension, Dawkins will overtake Arizona’s DJ Humphries as the fifth-highest-paid left tackle in the NFL.
Dawkins, 26, had a rough year in 2018 before rebounding as one of the Bills’ best players in 2019. His captain position was a reflection of his self-realization during the offseason.
“At one point it all really clicked. I got a better understanding of football, what role I was supposed to play and how I was supposed to play it,” Dawkins said. “So many people admire football players, and for those who respect me, I want to give them the best example of a full athlete I can set.
“It’s good to be the glue and the bridge to make people smile and keep energy on rest days as much as on good days.”
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