The Buffalo Bills are likely to make some significant changes on both sides of the ball after overhauling their coaching staff this offseason, which could lead to the departure of one of their most high-profile additions to the offense.
The Bills signed veteran receiver Curtis Samuel in 2024 with the hopes that his speed and versatility would add a new dimension to the offense. While he did make some key contributions at times, Samuel has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play — and one analyst believes his time in Buffalo is coming to an end.
Bills Predicted to Cut Curtis Samuel
SI.com’s Randy Gurzi identified several veteran players expected to hit the chopping block in Buffalo, putting Samuel on the list. Gurzi noted that Samuel has not lived up to the big contract he landed in 2024, which came on the heels of some promising seasons.
“Curtis Samuel signed a three-year deal with Buffalo worth $24 million ahead of the 2024 season,” Gurzi noted. “Samuel had more than 600 yards in each of the previous two seasons with the Washington Commanders before signing with the Bills, but hasn’t been much of a factor.”
Gurzi noted that Samuel never matched that same level of production in Buffalo, missing significant chunks of time due to injury.
“Samuel had 31 receptions for 253 yards and one touchdown in 2024,” Gurzi wrote. “This past season, he played in just six games, finishing with seven receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown. The lack of production could lead to Samuel being released, a move that could save them at least $6 million against the cap.”
Bills Facing Other Salary Cap Decisions
The Bills may need to make other moves to get under the salary cap. The team is one of the most cap-crunched in the NFL, but could free up enough space to fill holes in free agency and even target a big player or two this offseason.
It would not come easy, The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia suggested. It could start with a pair of contract restructures.
“The first one is easy and a guarantee almost every year. Quarterback Josh Allen’s base salary can be prorated over the next five years and create $12.16 million in cap savings,” Buscaglia wrote.
“After Allen, the next most obvious is right tackle Spencer Brown. He only turns 28 later this month, is signed for the long term and is one of their best players. Restructuring his base salary can yield $4.74 million.”
The Bills will likely need to cut players beyond Samuel to bring more cap savings, Buscaglia suggested. They could face a difficult decision on tight end Dawson Knox, who would net a savings of nearly $9 million if the team cuts him.
While Knox has been a steady target for Allen in the past, he is not as good a pass-catcher as fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid or a blocker as Jackson Hawes. But, as Buscaglia noted, Knox is the best combination of blocking and pass-catching among the tight end group — and a close friend of Allen, which could work in his favor as the team makes decisions on cuts.
Bills Predicted to Part Ways With $24 Million WR After Disappointing Season