Sports fans revel in the drama of a comeback story, and in the 2024 NFL season, wide receiver Curtis Samuel is poised to script his own resurgence with the Buffalo Bills. After signing a three-year deal with the Bills this offseason, CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso is confident that Samuel will rediscover his potential and make a significant impact in his first year in Western New York.
Samuel’s NFL journey, which began when he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2017, has been a tale of untapped potential. His career stats—4,098 total yards and 29 touchdowns—while respectable, fall short of what his talent suggests. Standing nearly six feet tall, Samuel boasts electric quickness and blazing speed, making him a tantalizing prospect. So why does Trapasso believe 2024 will be Samuel’s year? The answer lies in two key figures: quarterback Josh Allen and offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
The Allen Effect
Josh Allen getting reps with WR Curtis Samuel. Expect Buffalo to use Samuel in unique formations to get him the ball in space, something he’s familiar with. #Bills pic.twitter.com/F8AFtX49gO
— BillsDigest (@billsdigest_) June 12, 2024
Josh Allen has established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL, and his impact on wide receivers is well-documented. “Now he’ll catch passes from one Josh Allen, who’s been the QB1, QB1, QB2, and QB1 in fantasy football the past four seasons,” Trapasso notes. With Allen under center, receivers have historically thrived. John Brown and Cole Beasley enjoyed career-best seasons with Allen, and even Stefon Diggs reached new heights in Buffalo.
Allen’s ability to elevate his receivers’ performances is a crucial factor in Trapasso’s optimistic outlook for Samuel. The dynamic quarterback’s deep-ball accuracy and playmaking prowess provide a perfect platform for Samuel to showcase his speed and versatility.
The Brady Connection
Equally significant is the presence of Joe Brady as the Bills’ offensive coordinator. Trapasso highlights Brady’s previous success with Samuel during their time together in Carolina: “The cherry on top — Samuel will be coordinated by Joe Brady. Why does that matter? With Brady, during the coach’s first OC NFL gig back in 2020, the former Ohio State star had his finest professional season to date — 77 catches for 851 yards.”
Brady’s familiarity with Samuel and his innovative offensive schemes could unlock the wide receiver’s full potential. Brady’s ability to utilize Samuel in various roles—whether in the backfield, slot, or outside—adds a layer of unpredictability to the Bills’ offense. Samuel’s versatility and pre-snap movement can help Allen diagnose coverages and exploit defensive weaknesses.
A New Chapter in Buffalo
Yards per route run from the perimeter (2022-23)
Curtis Samuel is good! https://t.co/lv4PP9F111 pic.twitter.com/VhcBLdT77C
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) June 14, 2024
If Samuel can replicate or exceed his 2020 performance under Brady, the Bills’ offense could remain one of the league’s most formidable units despite the departure of Stefon Diggs. Samuel’s dynamic playmaking ability provides Allen with another potent weapon, capable of stretching defenses vertically and creating mismatches all over the field.
In Buffalo, Samuel has the opportunity to redefine his career narrative. Backed by a top-tier quarterback in Allen and a familiar, innovative offensive coordinator in Brady, the stage is set for a remarkable comeback. As the 2024 season unfolds, Curtis Samuel’s journey from underwhelming talent to offensive catalyst could be one of the most compelling stories in the NFL.
