Bills’ $24 Million WR Under Fire for Slow Start: Is the Investment Paying Off?

Bills’ $24 Million WR Under Fire for Slow Start: Is the Investment Paying Off?

Curtis Samuel was a major offseason acquisition for the Buffalo Bills, brought in to help fill the gap left by Stefon Diggs’ trade to the Houston Texans. However, Samuel has struggled to make an impact so far, slipping down the depth chart and raising concerns among fans. According to Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News, Samuel has been the “clear No. 4 receiver” through the first two games and had a notably limited role in the team’s win over the Miami Dolphins on September 12.

Skurski reported that Samuel, who signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Bills, played only 12 offensive snaps during the 31-10 victory over the Dolphins, which equated to just 27% of the team’s total snaps. This marks the second consecutive game Samuel has been on the field for only 27% of the offensive plays, trailing behind Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins, and Khalil Shakir on the depth chart.

Bills ‘Going With the Flow’

After the Bills’ Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals, head coach Sean McDermott addressed Curtis Samuel’s limited playing time. Despite Samuel’s ongoing toe injury, which had sidelined him during part of training camp and the preseason, McDermott suggested the reduced snap count was more about game strategy than the injury.

“The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia reported on X that McDermott downplayed the impact of the toe injury on Samuel’s snap count, explaining that the decision was simply based on the flow of the game. McDermott added that he thought Samuel performed well.”

As the most experienced receiver on the roster with eight years in the league, 320 career catches, 3,401 yards, and 22 touchdowns, Samuel has also been a threat in the running game with 715 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. However, he has yet to make a significant impact on Buffalo’s offense this season, with only four targets and three catches for 18 yards so far.

Bills Spreading the Ball Around

This offseason, the Bills made it clear that their offensive strategy would not center around any single player. With Stefon Diggs and No. 2 receiver Gabe Davis departing, the team brought in a blend of young prospects and seasoned veterans, embracing a philosophy of “everyone eats.”

Offensive coordinator Joe Brady introduced this concept during OTAs, emphasizing a balanced approach to distributing targets and stretching opposing defenses.

“It’s not just about one person; no one’s bigger than the offense,” Brady explained. “But in order for someone else to succeed, I’ve got to do my job so they can succeed, and vice versa.”

Khalil Shakir continues to be the literal personification of "Mr. Dependability"

Last year he finished with the highest catch percentage of all qualified receivers in the @NFL…

So far in 2024 he is 8 for 8 for 96 yards, finding every way to make himself available to Josh… pic.twitter.com/aVrcpctQ3B

— Thomas DeLaus (@TheThomasDeLaus) September 14, 2024

Khalil Shakir, the team’s top returning receiver, echoed this sentiment, noting that while some players may experience quieter periods, they are always prepared to step up when needed.

“What goes around comes around,” Shakir said. “If you need to run a route 50 times, do it full speed each time. That 51st time might be your chance to make the play while someone else clears the way for you. We’re all working together to ensure each play succeeds and continuously build on that.”