When the Buffalo Bills chose to retool their wide receiver lineup, they bid farewell to Gabe Davis and welcomed Curtis Samuel into the fold. The intention was clear: to inject a dose of versatility into their offense.

Samuel, with his experience in Carolina and Washington, had proven his mettle not only as a wideout but also with the ability to step into the running back role when needed. Signing Samuel to a three-year, $24 million deal seemed like the perfect strategic move to pair with Stefon Diggs.

But in an unexpected twist, the Bills soon traded Diggs, reshuffling the receiving room once again.

However, Curtis Samuel’s first season with the Bills in 2024 left much to be desired. Playing in 14 games, Samuel only racked up 253 receiving yards and found the end zone just once.

His contribution in moving the chains was minimal, securing only nine first-downs. With only one regular-season game where he managed over 50 receiving yards and not exceeding 60+ yards until the playoffs kicked off, it’s fair to say Samuel’s impact was underwhelming.

Now, as the Bills look ahead to 2025, speculation is swirling about whether Samuel will be a one-and-done player in Buffalo. Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report has spotlighted Samuel as a potential candidate for release, positing that the Bills could prioritize freeing up a roster spot over Samuel’s current cap hit, particularly after the additions of Joshua Palmer, Elijah Moore, and rookie Kaden Prather. Knox highlights that these new signings may render Samuel expendable in a crowded receiver group.

The roster shuffle didn’t stop there. The Bills secured Khalil Shakir for another four years, ensuring continuity and competition, while Keon Coleman gears up for his sophomore season.

If general manager Brandon Beane perceives the receiving corps as packed to capacity, Samuel’s release might seem inevitable. The one caveat?

Bidding adieu to Samuel would result in a hefty $12 million dead cap hit, as per Spotrac’s financial breakdown. This financial blow could deter an immediate release.

Yet, history shows Beane isn’t averse to absorbing a dead cap hit when he’s had to make tough roster decisions involving familiar names for Bills fans.

In sum, the Bills stand at a crossroads with Curtis Samuel. While his previous season didn’t pan out as envisioned, the financial and strategic decisions over the offseason have positioned Buffalo with both opportunity and challenge. Whether Samuel stays or goes, the motto remains the same: all roads lead to chasing a championship, and every player must prove their role in that pursuit.