The Buffalo Bills made one of their more intriguing moves of the offseason when they officially signed former Washington Commanders receiver Curtis Samuel to a three-year, $30 million deal on Friday.
Samuel is coming off two of the most productive seasons of his career with Washington, but he cut his NFL teeth during four years with the Carolina Panthers.
During his final season in Carolina in 2020, Samuel posted 77 catches for 851 yards, both of which are still career-best marks, along with three touchdowns. Coincidentally enough, calling the plays for the Panthers that season was current Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who had his interim tag removed by Buffalo this offseason.
Samuel now reunites with the play-caller who aided in his notable 2020 season, and he could soon be set for his first 1,000-yard campaign thanks to the presence of both Brady and Josh Allen.
"Definitely felt like he's a good leader," Samuel said of Brady, per the team website. "Somebody you can put your trust in just because I've seen it, I've seen him put a lot of guys in great situations. He gets the most out of his players."
In 2020, Brady utilized Samuel's rushing ability. The versatile playmaker had career-high marks in carries (41) and rushing yards (200) while running for two more scores. Samuel received 38 carries in 2022 with the Commanders, but it didn't quite reach the rushing production he had during that lone season with Brady.
Regardless of how Buffalo's new full-time OC gets Samuel the ball, he's ready to make a play.
"Definitely excited to be here," Samuel said. When I get the ball in my hands, I feel like I'm dynamic. That's what I'm here to bring, just some explosive plays and be a team player."
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