Jackson Hawes

Career StatsC

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		17	16	187	3
2025		17	16	187	3

Updated Jun 17, 2026

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Spotrac flags Jackson Hawes' contract as a market-rate deal; FanVerdicts grades it B- Contract Value Index because the production-to-pay ratio shakes out accordingly. At $1.13M annually on a four-year rookie scale deal, Hawes is operating at a substantial discount relative to his demonstrated impact—the tight end logged 187 receiving yards across 17 games in his 2025 rookie season, and the media consensus frames him as elite in efficiency metrics despite those modest raw counting stats, earning "secret superstar" designation from major analytical outlets. Tight end is a position where volume and red-zone opportunity often dictate contract leverage, and Hawes' $1.13M AAV keeps him well below what even solid-starter production commands in free agency, creating obvious long-term value if his trajectory continues. At 25 years old in his first season, he's still deep in the discovery phase—the Contract Value Index reflects that upside remains unproven on a full sample, even as the early narrative has shifted decidedly in his favor. The Bills' recent receiver-room activity (signing Deven Thompkins and Mac Dalena, releasing multiple depth pieces) suggests roster construction focused on complementary pieces rather than aggressive star-chasing, which aligns with keeping Hawes in a supporting role within their offensive scheme. His "Full Send Mindset" cultural resonance and clean injury/controversy profile heading into 2026 position him as a low-risk asset on an already favorable deal—if he sustains this level of production efficiency, the B- grade will look conservative in hindsight.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Jackson's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Jackson Hawes grades as a serviceable starter among NFL tight ends — a middle-of-the-pack player at the position. His strongest area is yards per reception at 11.7 (above the NFL average of 9.19), ranking as above average for the position. Rec yds per game, at 11.0 compared to an NFL average of 10.7, is where he falls short relative to the position. Limited games played (17 career) reduces confidence in this grade.

How Jackson Compares at the Position

Jackson Hawes ranks 58th of 164 graded tight ends by performance. That slots Jackson between Hayden Rucci (C+) just ahead and Stone Smartt (C) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Jackson Hawes has captured the NFL media's attention as one of the league's most intriguing breakout candidates, earning widespread praise for his exceptional rookie efficiency despite modest counting stats. The Buffalo tight end has been labeled a "secret superstar" by analytical outlets like PFF, with his elite production rate creating buzz that extends far beyond traditional box score metrics. His "Full Send Mindset" has become synonymous with Buffalo's cultural identity, resonating with fans and media as an authentic personality that transcends typical statistical narratives. At just $1.1M annually, the contrast between his bargain-basement contract and demonstrated on-field impact has amplified the "draft steal" narrative surrounding him. Media perception reflects genuine optimism about his trajectory within Buffalo's offensive scheme, with headlines consistently framing him as a hidden gem poised for larger things. The absence of any injury concerns or controversies has allowed the focus to remain squarely on his upside potential, cementing his status as one of the most compelling under-the-radar stories heading into 2026.