Bills LT Dion Dawkins becomes NFL’s fourth highest-paid tackle with three-year, $60.5 million extension

The Buffalo Bills started the 2024 season on a lackluster note, but they bounced back incredibly and ensured a playoff run. Left tackle Dion Dawkins has been quarterback Josh Allen’s blindside protector throughout the season.

Dawkins also hit the headlines for his off-field brawl with other teams. From sending playoff warnings to Patrick Mahomes to blasting the New York Jets players on a shirtless interview, Dawkins remained a hot topic of discussion. The left tackle has now signed a blockbuster extension with the franchise.

Dion Dawkins signs three-year, $60.5 million Bills extension

Dion Dawkins solidified his commitment to the Bills by signing a lucrative three-year contract extension worth $60.5 million, extending his tenure with the Bills through 2027. This move positions him as the fourth highest-paid left tackles in the league.

Dawkins previously inked a four-year, $58.3 million extension covering 2021 to 2024, and enters the final year of that deal. With a current base salary of $9.3 million, his numbers are poised to undergo adjustments in light of his latest extension. The $20.17 million average annual value of his deal ranks fifth highest among NFL left tackles, per CBS Sports.

The extension comes on the heels of the veteran’s stellar performance in the 2023 season, where he achieved a career-best pass-block win rate of 93.3 percent. His steadfast protection contributed to Josh Allen experiencing his lowest sack count (24) to date.

However, the 2024 season will see some reshuffling within the Bills’ offensive front. Following the release of center Mitch Morse, veteran Connor McGovern is slated to transition from left guard to center. Besides that, re-signed lineman David Edwards will vie for the left guard position alongside Dawkins, ushering in a new era for the team’s offensive line.

Dion Dawkins pranked NFL fans before new contract

Dion Dawkins pulled off a clever prank on NFL fans just before signing a new contract with the team. The left tackle, known for his playful personality, started messing with fans two days before the official announcement of his contract extension.

The 29-year-old star first hinted at a departure from Buffalo, tweeting, “Buffalo NY is forever my home. Promise me That.”

Just minutes before news broke of his contract extension, he posted a seemingly farewell message, stating, “Excited for this next chapter of my football career,” accompanied by a humorous query about eating ranch.

However, the former second-round pick swiftly reassured fans by dispelling any concerns about leaving the Bills by showcasing his enduring commitment. He playfully dubbed fans as “cra” (crazy) and wrote, “Yall are cra why would ever Leave Buffalo im never leaving guy Im buffalo for life.”

Social media erupted with reactions as fans acknowledged Dawkins’ trolling skills.

One wrote, “Dion Dawkins just trolled everybody.”

Another person wrote, “Dion Dawkins trolling everybody until he wakes up to this everyday for the next three years.”

Dion Dawkins’ successful prank showcased not only his prowess on the football field but also his ability to engage with fans in a playful manner. As a key player for the Bills, he has consistently proved his dedication. He made three Pro Bowl appearances while starting 106 out of 112 games since entering the NFL in 2017.