In a no-brainer move, the Buffalo Bills could cut $24 million wide receiver Curtis Samuel before the 2025 regular season. Bleacher Report made a list of every best player on the roster that could be on the chopping block, and Samuel is one for the Bills despite signing a new contract last year. Samuel had one of the worst 2024 campaigns in his career, recording 31 receptions for 253 receiving yards and one touchdown. So, it’s clear that it’s not worth paying him that amount of money, but the playmaker could stay if he ends up taking a pay cut.
However, he’s way too inconsistent, and since the Bills have been adding receivers like Joshua Palmer, Elijah Moore and Kaden Prather, the team’s depth chart is getting overcrowded. It makes things worse for Samuel since the Bills are still in the market for a new playmaker, which likely spells the end of his short-term tenure in Buffalo. Originally selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State product began his career with the Carolina Panthers, hoping to carve out a role as a capable wideout, but didn’t produce the numbers to stay. The Washington Commanders gave him a unique opportunity to serve as a wide receiver/running back, especially during the 2023 campaign.
Samuel hasn’t been able to top over 1,000 yards in each season of his career, so it’s safe to say the wideout isn’t at least a WR2. If the Bills decide to release him, Samuel may be able to find a role with these three teams.
Bleacher Report: Bills Could Cut $24 Million Playmaker Curtis Samuel – Three Logical Fits
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Many reports indicate that wide receiver Mike Williams could be on the chopping block despite just signing him this offseason. The Los Angeles Chargers still have one of the worst receiver units, and draft picks like Tre Harris won’t single-handedly save this team’s season. The team should keep Williams, but add another weapon to bolster this offense. Last year, they couldn’t find any consistency other than getting 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey involved in the aerial attack.
The Chargers need a playmaker in the background who needs to make the same elusive plays as McConkey. This could be Samuel if quarterback Justin Herbert can find a way to use him. He has the same body type as McConkey and could thrive as a WR4 at least in this new offensive system.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Ravens could look to add a weapon themselves for Lamar Jackson’s offense. Rashod Bateman has been brought up in trade conversations, and if they decide to replace him, Samuel could be a temporary option. The team has been struggling to find some long-term relief outside of WR1 Zay Flowers. However, this might be the case of finding a capable receiver outside at all that can fill the shoes and lessen the stress in the aerial attack for Flowers.
Samuel might not be the fastest player, but he could have some capabilities to be the WR3 for this roster once DeAndre Hopkins retires.
Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes always knows how to bring out the best in a wideout and thrive in the aerial attack. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are the two lockdown offensive weapons, but Marquise Brown’s long-term future with the Chiefs is in question. Even though they re-signed him to a new contract, it doesn’t mean he’ll be there for the rest of his career. If they decide to release or trade him, they could sign Samuel only if he becomes available.
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