Bills QB Josh Allen (17) - Ron Schwane/AP Photo
Did the Buffalo Bills finally go out and sign a speedy free agent WR for Josh Allen?
While it may not be that appetizing, it may be the dessert that brings them to the big game.
Many thought that Brandon Beane was going to draft a Wide Receiver in the first round, and he still can.
It may bring depth to the receiver position and create more mismatches on opposing defenses.
Bills Signing Curtis Samuel
Bills fans should already know this by now. General Manager, Brandon Beane doesn’t usually sign anyone without that player having a previous connection.
Samuel is indeed from the Carolina Panthers, as he was drafted in 2017 when Beane was the assistant GM. He also has familiarity with current Bills, OC Joe Brady.
Brady was the Offensive Coordinator during the 2021 Panthers season. The head coach then was current Nebraska Cornhuskers boss, Matt Rhule.
How Much is the Deal?
Samuel signed a three-year contract worth up to $24 million with $15 million guaranteed. The guaranteed money could reach up to $30 million through catches and stipulations.
The signing makes enough sense.
Beane said after losing to Kansas City, like a broken record, he wanted a speedy receiver that can create holes in the opposing defense.
That receiver must also be able to stretch the field vertically and make big catches.
The 5′ 11″, 195 lb., vertical threat is a carbon copy of Tyreek Hill, except he hasn’t had a consistent quarterback throwing him the ball.
In Carolina, Cam Newton was starting to decline past his prime. Last year with Washington, he had a young Sam Howell throwing him the ball with a team not well-coached or properly developed.
What will Free Agent WR Samuel bring to Buffalo?
Samuel brings with him the type of speedy, go-route receiver the Bills have been looking for all this time. He is a safety blanket in the middle of the field and has natural tools.
Coaches can coach the little things in a receiver. Things like technique and how to break out of a route are correctable.
One thing a coach cannot teach a receiver is how to work on his natural speed.
The former Ohio State athlete can fly. He ran a 4.31 forty-yard-dash in 2017. He is also polished, catching 613 yards on 62 passes last year with a young Sam Howell at QB.
In 2023, surrounded by other NFL receivers that ran at least 300 routes, the zippy receiver averaged 9.08 mph inside the first second of his routes, (a value that ranked third-quickest in the league).
How will Samuel Complement WR Group?
The Brooklyn native will fit in nicely with Diggs as a dream number-two receiver in the NFL. Samuel will be a safety cushion to take the pressure off Diggs as well as Kahlil Shakir.
With Diggs turning 31, he is getting older and Samuel might be considered his heir apparent. In time, Samuel or Shakir would be great to take over the number-one receiving spot.
The Free Agent WR will also help mentor the incoming rookies the Bills could select at receiver this upcoming draft.
With the Buffalo Bills signing Samuel to the party, Allen should now be ready to show off his arm strength to one of his top receivers.
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