Curtis Samuel’s dynasty outlook has a lot of bearish fantasy vibes ahead of the 2025 NFL season, and understandably so. The wide receiver’s first season with the Buffalo Bills was underwhelming, and now he’s stuck in a crowded battle just to make the team’s 53-man roster.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott offered an optimistic tune this week when asked about Samuel at the start of organized team activities, though. He suggested the 28-year-old Ohio State product may be ready to make a bigger impact in his second season with the franchise.
“He’s battled through some injuries, and then, being new in the system last year, I think it took some time just to get up to speed,” McDermott told reporters Tuesday. “… I think now going into Year 2, I think we have a better understanding of how he can help us and the role that he may play for us in the days and weeks ahead.”
Fantasy football managers must remain cautious with Samuel despite those upbeat remarks, however.
Curtis Samuel Dynasty Outlook (2025 Fantasy Football)
Bills Star’s Current Production
Samuel finished his first campaign in Buffalo with 31 catches for 253 yards and one touchdown in 14 appearances. He finished as the WR111 in standard leagues. That represented the lowest fantasy ranking of his career in a season where he played at least 10 games.
The New York City native did show some signs of hope down the stretch, though. The wideout posted a season-high seven catches in the Bills’ Week 18 win over the New England Patriots. He then found the end zone twice in the team’s three playoff games.
While those numbers lend credence to McDermott’s comments about Samuel finding a role and a rhythm, the poor overall production can’t be ignored. That’s especially true with so many players fighting for targets within Buffalo’s “everybody eats” offensive scheme.
Curtis Samuel Dynasty Price
Samuel currently rates as the No. 316 overall player and the No. 118 wide receiver on the dynasty ranking website KeepTradeCut. His positional ranking did climb a bit in February following his strong finish to the 2024 season, but it’s since faded once again.
Curtis Samuel Dynasty Outlook Amid Bills WR Competition
Although some Bills beat reporters suggest Samuel is a roster lock because of his contract situation, that argument remains unconvincing. Yes, general manager Brandon Beane wouldn’t get much salary-cap relief this year, but he’d still save money in both 2025 and 2026.
Here’s a look at the numbers if Samuel is released, per Spotrac:
- 2025: $8.6 million dead cap ($430,000 savings)
- 2026: $3.5 million dead cap ($6.2 million savings)
As a result, Samuel is still in danger of losing his roster spot. He’ll be a prime cut candidate if he’s outplayed by Elijah Moore and rookie Kaden Prather in training camp.
The Bills have a bunch of wide receivers fighting for just five or six spots. It’s a group that includes Samuel, Moore, Prather, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, Laviska Shenault Jr., and Tyrell Shavers.
There’s too much talent on that list to keep Samuel if he’s being significantly outplayed. The Bills are in win-now, championship-or-bust mode. They aren’t going to keep a veteran just because it would be moderately more financially sound. They need the best 53. Period.
Now, from a fantasy football perspective, leaving Buffalo may benefit the former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders receiver. He’d have a chance to emerge as a No. 3 target elsewhere. At best, he’ll be the No. 5 option with the Bills, barring injuries.
What To Do With Buffalo’s Wide Receiver in Dynasty Leagues
Samuel is likely a free agent in all but the deepest of dynasty leagues. He should probably remain there unless a fantasy manager is truly desperate for help at wide receiver. There just isn’t much upside to his stock, regardless of what happens over the next few months.
In Buffalo, the only way he’d become a consistent fantasy option would be a substantial run of injuries. Even if multiple Bills receivers go down, the tight end tandem of Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox would be more likely to pick up the slack than the 2017 second-round pick.
Elsewhere, Samuel could carve out a bigger role, but it’s hard to imagine him becoming a stud. He only finished inside the top 30 fantasy wideouts once during the prime of his career with Carolina and Washington, and now he’s exiting those peak production years.
Perhaps he carves out a niche as a No. 4 receiver and trick-play specialist in Buffalo. That simply isn’t going to represent enough touches to become a dynasty starter, though. He’ll likely carry more value in the real world than the fantasy one, regardless of where he plays in 2025.
All told, it’s worth keeping tabs on Bills camp. If Samuel is making a profound impact or the team’s offense suffers multiple key injuries, he’ll be worth a fantasy roster spot. Beyond that, however, it’s probably best to leave him on the waiver wire.
