Dawson Knox, a former Ole Miss tight end, has proven to be a key player in the high-powered offense of the Buffalo Bills, and now the team has rewarded him with a new contract.

Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reported that Knox will receive a four-year contract extension worth $53.6 million, with more than $31 million guaranteed. Knox especially felt support from the fans recently following the passing of his brother.

“I love the people in Buffalo, hopefully I’ll be here for a long time,” he said.

Knox, 25, was a third-round pick by the Bills out of Ole Miss in 2019, and gradually became a larger contributor to the Buffalo offense until his bona fide breakout season in 2021. He caught 54 combined passes in his first 2 seasons, but last season hauled in 49 passes for 587 yards and 9 touchdowns as he became one of the rising star tight ends in the NFL.