The 2024 season was not kind to Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel.
After signing a three-year deal worth over $24 million, expectations were high for the former Washington Commander and Carolina Panther. There was just one problem, though.
His impact on the team wasn't anywhere close to what the Bills were expecting for a receiver who totaled over 600 yards in back-to-back years going into 2024. He finished last season with just 31 receptions for 253 yards and one touchdown.
Things started to heat up in the playoffs, though. Samuel caught two touchdowns during Buffalo's postseason run, including one in the AFC Title game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
It's one of the reasons why the Bills believe Samuel can get back on track moving forward.
"I credit Curtis last year. He battled through a lot of different things, little tweaks here and there," said quarterback Josh Allen at the start of OTAs. "Getting him going there, late in the season, it's so big for us because we can utilize him in so many different positions, whether it's Z, F or the running back position. He can play outside, too. He's got the long speed that really helps this offense stretch a field."
Buffalo not giving up on Samuel is a great thing. It shows an organization that is both contending for a title and also being patient with newcomers. It's hard to replicate that kind of culture.
But the Bills might not have a choice. Paying a receiver over $8 million to be their fifth option (which is what Samuel could be) is not good cap allocation.
It's why even though the team doesn't want to give up on him, Samuel may be on his last run with the team.
