The Buffalo Bills could face some tough decisions in their wide receiver room at final cuts, with one injury-struck veteran reportedly on the chopping block.
The team added Curtis Samuel last offseason with the hopes that he could provide a much-needed deep target, but he has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play through his first year. Samuel has again been plagued by injuries during training camp and faced rumors that he could be released, but Bills head coach Sean McDermott delivered a confident message on the veteran receiver.
Curtis Samuel Makes Big Return
Samuel returned to the field this week after missing several weeks with a hamstring injury, joining his teammates to participate in drills. McDermott shared some praise for the veteran.
“I would say he looks good in his two days back to this point,” McDermott said.
The Bills head coach admitted that it set Samuel back to miss so much of the summer and that his role on the team is yet to be determined.
“He’s been back two days, I believe, and the first day, looked good and looked fast, looked fresh, which happens when you’re not out there through the 18, 17 practices leading up to then, or 15, whatever it was,” said McDermott. “Now it’s, hey, how does he look through the weekend here? And then, what’s the role, right? So, everyone has to have a role, and how big or small is it, and what does it look like?”
The Bills added a trio of veterans who could cut in on Samuel’s targets this season. The Bills signed Elijah Moore, Lavishka Shenault Jr., and Joshua Palmer, with all three projected to earn spots on the active roster. Returning receivers Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman are expected to occupy the top of the depth chart, though the Bills have emphasized an offense that spreads targets around more evenly.
Samuel has a strong track record prior to arriving in Buffalo last season. He has appeared in 105 career games, making 348 receptions for 3,636 tards with 23 touchdowns. The speedy receiver has also been a threat on the ground, racking up 729 rushing yards and seven rushing scores.
Insiders Saw Murky Future for Curtis Samuel
Though it would be difficult for the Bills to part ways with Samuel given his $24 million contract and speedy skillset, some insiders believed the team would struggle in finding a place for him.
Reporter Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News suggested the Bills could try to trade the veteran receiver, clearing the way for former practice squad member Tyrell Shavers to take on a bigger role.
âWeâre counting on general manager Brandon Beane to work a little magic here by trading Samuel,â Skurski wrote. âThere doesnât figure to be a robust market for a wide receiver coming off a down season who hasnât been able to practice much this summer, so perhaps Beane will have to attach a draft-pick sweetener â think something like Samuel and a fifth-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick â but freeing up $7.34 million against the cap would be worth it.â
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