The Buffalo Bills took a significant step in enhancing their wide receiver corps in the offseason by trading a 2026 second-round pick to the Chicago Bears to acquire DJ Moore, a proven 1,000-yard receiver, along with a 2026 fifth-round pick. The 28-year-old Moore has achieved over 1,000 receiving yards four times in his NFL career and has consistently scored at least six touchdowns over each of the past four seasons, marking him as a major upgrade at the WR1 spot compared to existing options like Khalil Shakir. The Bills are reportedly still pursuing additional offensive weapons to complement Moore’s presence on the field.
Bills Release Curtis Samuel to Free Salary Cap Space
Following the DJ Moore trade, the Bills continued adjusting their wide receiver lineup by releasing Curtis Samuel, who had signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the team in 2024. Samuel’s tenure with Buffalo did not meet expectations, registering only 38 receptions for 334 yards across two seasons. This move saves the Bills approximately $6 million in salary cap space, aiding the team’s efforts to reallocate resources amid wide receiver upgrades. Samuel previously posted back-to-back 60-plus catch seasons exceeding 600 yards each while with the Washington Commanders, but his production declined significantly with the Bills, where he was limited to just six games last year.
Because the release was a pre-June 1 designation, Buffalo’s salary cap savings total $6.055 million, according to Over the Cap, although a post-June 1 cut would have saved an additional $1.78 million. Buffalo’s current receiver lineup now includes DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Mecole Hardman, and 2024 second-round draft pick Keon Coleman, while both Gabriel Davis and Brandin Cooks approach free agency.
Potential Next Moves for Buffalo’s Receiving Group
Buffalo’s wide receiver overhaul is ongoing, with various options potentially joining the team. While the Bills have been associated with several free agent wideouts such as Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans and Indianapolis’ Alec Pierce, their pursuit of Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown appears unlikely due to the high trade cost reportedly involving multiple early-round draft picks and a player. The Bills’ previous trade attempts for New Orleans’ Chris Olave and Miami’s Jaylen Waddle also stalled over expensive demands from their respective teams.
One name generating interest is Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr., although injuries and a diminished role under new head coach Liam Coen have limited his output to 48 catches, 707 yards, and two touchdowns last season. Buffalo may also address wide receiver needs through the 2024 NFL Draft at the 26th overall pick, with prospects like Denzel Boston from Washington, KC Concepcion from Texas A&M, Omar Cooper Jr. from Indiana, Zachariah Branch from Georgia, and Germie Bernard from Alabama among possible selections.
Implications for Buffalo’s Offense Moving Forward
By acquiring DJ Moore and releasing Curtis Samuel, the Bills are actively reshaping their receiving corps to become more dynamic and productive. The addition of Moore offers a reliable WR1 target with consistent performance metrics, while clearing cap space through Samuel’s release provides financial flexibility for potential new signings or draft investments. As Buffalo continues to explore external acquisitions and evaluates draft prospects, these moves reflect a clear intention to bolster the offense and support quarterback Josh Allen with improved weapons.
This revamped wide receiver group could have a significant impact on the Bills’ offensive efficiency and overall competitiveness in the upcoming season. The decisions made now will shape their strategic approach through free agency and the draft, framing the team’s pursuit of a deeper postseason run.
Just in: The #Bills have informed WR Curtis Samuel that he is being released, per @AdamSchefter.
Samuel had 38 catches for 334 yards in two seasons with Buffalo. The team will save $6M in cap space with the move. https://t.co/Xrm43B1Vdi pic.twitter.com/5ryedIORl3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 6, 2026
