The Buffalo Bills have clinched a deal to enlist wide receiver Curtis Samuel on a three-year contract, marking a significant boost to their offensive lineup. Two undisclosed sources confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that Samuel’s agreement with the Bills amounts to $24 million over three years. This deal includes a guaranteed sum of $15 million for the 27-year-old receiver, with potential bonuses elevating the total contract value to $30 million.
Samuel, who boasts seven seasons in the NFL, most recently played for Washington for the past three years. During this tenure, he showcased consistent performance, registering over 60 receptions and 600 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons, along with a combined total of 10 touchdowns (eight receiving, two rushing). This marked a significant improvement from his initial season in Washington, which was disrupted by groin and hamstring injuries.
Having previously spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Samuel now reunites with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who held the same position with the Panthers in 2020. Samuel’s standout season in Carolina included 77 receptions, 851 yards, and three touchdowns, along with career highs in rushing attempts and touchdowns.
With the Bills, Samuel is expected to fill the starting role left vacant by Gabe Davis in free agency, adding an explosive threat to the team’s offensive arsenal alongside Stefon Diggs, Khalil Shakir, and tight end Dalton Kincaid. Additionally, the Bills reinforced their receiving corps by signing Mack Hollins to a one-year deal this week.
In total, Samuel, drafted in the second round from Ohio State in 2017, has accumulated 317 receptions for 3,383 yards and 22 receiving touchdowns, along with seven rushing touchdowns.
In another move, running back Ty Johnson has agreed to return for his second season with the Bills, signing a one-year contract. Johnson’s role expanded, especially in catching passes, during the latter part of last season.
