After seven games, the largest free agent signing by the Bills is still far from earning his enormous salary.
Stefon Diggs was still a member of the Buffalo Bills when NFL free agency began on March 13. They made the decision to sign seasoned wide receiver Curtis Samuel to a $24 million, three-year contract. From his time in Carolina, he was acquainted with general manager Brandon Beane and offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and it was anticipated that Samuel would add diversity to the Buffalo passing attack.
The Houston Texans received Diggs from Buffalo on April 3. As the seasoned member of the passing attack, Samuel was held to even higher standards. The Bills undoubtedly had a plan for the adaptable, shifty receiver they signed to a three-year contract, and this belief was not altered by the selection of Keon Coleman on Day 2 of the NFL Draft in late April.
Back in the summer, Brady was really complimentary of Samuel. He talked about how Samuel adds comfort and adaptability to the playbook.
It is not visible to us.
With a shoulder ailment, Samuel departed the game early on Sunday and did not come back. Head coach Sean McDermott stated following the game that there was no news at this time.
Apart from his injuries, Samuel hasn’t really participated. Samuel has seen a total of eighteen targets in seven games, and he has caught 12 of them for 92 yards. With a limited Khalil Shakir, the most engaged game we’ve seen occurred in Week 6 against the Jets, resulting in a three-catch, 44-yard performance.
Samuel has fallen further lower on the hierarchy since Amari Cooper joined the group.
What is the strategy? At this point, how does this guy become anything more than a gadget guy on the field? Shakir, Cooper, and Keon Coleman will be the top three receivers. Mack Hollins is projected to finish fourth, and because of his stature and blocking prowess, he will receive a lot of playing time due to his ability to set up other players. Following those receivers are the tandem of Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, who play tight end, and James Cook, Ray Davis, and Ty Johnson, who all scored on Sunday.
Right now, Samuel’s deal appears to have been a complete waste of money. Samuel doesn’t seem to be much more than a depth option who occasionally sees the field on specific packages, thus it doesn’t seem probable that he will have a significant impact on the Bills offense.
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