How does the acquisition of veteran wide receiver Curtis Samuel, on a three-year, $24 million contract, impact the Buffalo Bills?
The NFL’s flurry of free agency activity has seen numerous moves, with some signings and trades slipping somewhat under the radar. One such development is Curtis Samuel joining the Buffalo Bills.
Samuel, a seasoned wide receiver, has reunited with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who previously held the same role with the Carolina Panthers. Their collaboration in Carolina in 2020 yielded Samuel’s most productive season to date, with career-high stats of 77 catches, 851 yards, and three touchdowns.
For the Bills, this signing was essential, especially after losing Gabe Davis to the Jacksonville Jaguars. With limited depth in their receiving corps beyond Stefon Diggs and Khalil Shakir, Samuel’s dynamic and versatile playing style will provide a valuable asset for quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense. However, evaluating how Samuel fits into the team requires further analysis and grading of the signing.
Curtis Samuels success rate vs man coverage was in the 88th percentile based on 3 straight seasons.
This is from @MattHarmon_BYB of Reception Perception, he also notes that Curtis can thrive in many roles, which he will be asked to do here in Buffalo under Joe Brady.
Join me at… pic.twitter.com/U63ZMVWU3l
— Thomas DeLaus (@TheThomasDeLaus) March 14, 2024
When comparing Samuel to Davis, it becomes evident that they bring different strengths to the table. While Davis excelled as a deep threat, Samuel offers a more diverse skill set that can benefit Buffalo in various ways. Davis primarily operated as a field stretcher, with a significant portion of his targets aimed deep downfield. Despite occasional standout performances, Davis’s one-dimensional role also led to inconsistency and defensive predictability.
In contrast, Samuel boasts a higher success rate against man coverage, indicating his ability to thrive in different situations. While he wasn’t frequently used as a deep threat in Washington, his past experience with Carolina demonstrates his capability in that role. Additionally, Samuel’s proficiency in the short to intermediate passing game, coupled with his after-the-catch ability, adds another dimension to the Bills’ offense.
Moreover, the financial aspect of the deal further highlights its value for Buffalo. Samuel’s contract, with incentives, offers a more cost-effective solution compared to Davis’s deal with the Jaguars. This represents a shrewd business move by the Bills, providing them with added offensive versatility at a reasonable price.
In summary, the addition of Curtis Samuel addresses a crucial need for the Buffalo Bills, bringing versatility and depth to their receiving corps. With the potential to outperform his contract value, Samuel’s acquisition represents a savvy move that could pay dividends for both him and the team on the field.
