The Buffalo Bills have made a significant addition to their offensive arsenal by securing receiver Curtis Samuel on a three-year, $24 million deal, as confirmed by two sources familiar with the agreement, speaking to The Associated Press on Thursday.
The sources, who requested anonymity as Samuel had not yet signed the contract, revealed that the 27-year-old receiver is guaranteed $15 million, with additional bonuses that could raise the total value of the deal to $30 million.
Samuel, with seven NFL seasons under his belt, spent the last three years with Washington, demonstrating consistent performance with over 60 receptions and 600 receiving yards in each of his last two seasons, along with a total of 10 touchdowns (eight receiving, two rushing).
This surge in production marked a notable improvement from his initial season in Washington, marred by groin and hamstring injuries.
Formerly with the Carolina Panthers for four seasons, Samuel now reunites with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who previously held the same position with the Panthers in 2020.
During his time in Carolina, Samuel enjoyed a standout season with 77 receptions, 851 yards, and three touchdowns. He also set career highs with 41 carries for 200 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
In Buffalo, Samuel is poised to step into the starting role vacated by Gabe Davis in free agency, offering the Bills an explosive threat to stretch defenses alongside receivers Stefon Diggs, Khalil Shakir, and tight end Dalton Kincaid.
The Bills further bolstered their receiving corps this week by signing Mack Hollins to a one-year deal.
Overall, Samuel, a second-round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2017, has amassed 317 receptions for 3,383 yards and 22 receiving touchdowns, in addition to seven rushing touchdowns.
In a separate move, running back Ty Johnson agreed to return for his second season in Buffalo, signing a one-year contract. Johnson’s role expanded in the latter half of last season, particularly in a pass-catching capacity.
