The Buffalo Bills made the tough call to move on from top veteran before the 2024 season, and in hindsight, the decision looks justified. Davis struggled mightily with the Jacksonville Jaguars, posting career lows in multiple statistical categories before suffering a season-ending meniscus tear during a blowout loss to the Detroit Lions. He was later released by Jacksonville on May 8 after failing a physical.
However, Buffalo’s attempt to upgrade the wide receiver room by signing another top prospect hasn’t exactly paid off either. The former Ohio State standout was brought in on a three-year, $24 million contract, but his first year with the Bills left much to be desired. Despite high hopes, he failed to deliver the kind of impact expected from a high-priced free agent, making the wide receiver position a continued area of concern for Buffalo heading into the 2025 season.
Top star, a second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2017 and a national champion with Ohio State in 2014, had a quiet 2024 season with the Bills. He totaled just 253 receiving yards on 46 targets and scored only one touchdown.
Following the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bills brought in several new wideouts, including Elijah Moore, who signed a reported one-year, \$5 million deal. Moore produced 538 receiving yards on 102 targets last season with the Cleveland Browns.
Buffalo also added Joshua Palmer and Laviska Shenault in free agency and drafted Kaden Prather in the seventh round out of Maryland. They’ll join a crowded wide receiver room that includes Khalil Shakir, rookie Keon Coleman, and Samuel.
With so many options, one receiver is likely to be cut — and Samuel may be on the bubble.
“Palmer was signed to a three-year deal, and Moore brings more explosiveness than Samuel,” wrote Fansided’s Brandon Ray. “It wouldn’t be surprising if the Bills move on from Samuel by the end of the summer if he can’t outperform the new additions in camp.”
Ray added, “Samuel may have a leg up with his familiarity in the system, but that only goes so far. He still hasn’t shown he can make a consistent impact for the Bills.”