Curtis Samuel was a major offseason acquisition for the Buffalo Bills, with high hopes that the veteran receiver would help fill the gap left by Stefon Diggs‘ trade to the Houston Texans.
However, Samuel has had a sluggish start, dropping down the depth chart and raising concerns among fans. Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News pointed out that Samuel has been the “clear No. 4 receiver” through the first two games and had an unexpectedly low number of snaps in the team’s victory over the Miami Dolphins on September 12.
Skurski noted that Samuel, who signed a three-year contract worth up to $24 million, played just 12 offensive snaps, which was 27% of the total, during the 31-10 win against the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. This was the second consecutive game in which Samuel’s snap count was only 27%, placing him behind Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins, and Khalil Shakir on the depth chart.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott addressed Samuel’s limited playing time after the Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Although Samuel has been dealing with a persistent toe injury that affected his participation in training camp and preseason, McDermott attributed the reduced snap count to strategic decisions rather than the injury itself.
According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, McDermott downplayed the impact of Samuel’s toe injury, stating that the team was simply “going with the flow of the game” and expressed confidence in Samuel’s performance.
Samuel, an eight-year veteran with 320 career catches for 3,401 yards and 22 touchdowns, has also been a notable rusher with 715 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Despite his experience, Samuel has yet to make a significant impact on Buffalo’s offense, with only four targets and three receptions for 18 yards so far.
The Bills have emphasized a balanced offensive approach this season, avoiding reliance on any single player. With the departures of Diggs and No. 2 receiver Gabe Davis, the team has brought in a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans, adopting a “everyone eats” strategy to distribute targets and challenge opposing defenses.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady introduced this philosophy during OTAs, emphasizing that success depends on all players contributing. Brady stated that no player is more important than the team and that each player’s efforts help others succeed.
Khalil Shakir, the team’s leading returning wide receiver, underscored the importance of readiness and teamwork. He highlighted the need for consistent effort, noting that a player’s dedication to their role can lead to opportunities for others, as the team works together to make plays.
