The Buffalo Bills officially released wide receiver Curtis Samuel on Friday, a move aimed at freeing more than $6 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season. The decision comes as Samuel’s two-year tenure with Buffalo comes to an end, following a period of underwhelming performance that contributed to the team’s struggles in the wide receiver group during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns.
Financial and performance impact of Samuel’s departure
Cutting Samuel will generate roughly $6 million in cap relief for the Bills in 2026, while leaving a $1.7 million dead cap hit for the 2025 season, according to Spotrac. Samuel originally signed a three-year, $24 million contract with Buffalo two years ago but played in only 20 games, earning approximately $15 million of that deal. Over his time with the team, he recorded 38 catches for 334 yards and two touchdowns, translating to about $394,000 per reception and $750,000 per game.
Though Samuel had a strong showing in the 2024 postseason, tallying six receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns in three playoff contests, this bright spot failed to extend through the rest of his stint in Buffalo. The veteran receiver’s overall contribution did not meet the organization’s expectations.
Bills revamping their receiving corps with new additions
Before releasing Samuel, Buffalo made a significant acquisition by trading for DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears, hoping to improve their passing attack heading into the 2026 season. The Bills exchanged a second-round pick for Moore and a fifth-round draft selection, signaling a clear shift in the team’s offensive strategy.
With Samuel’s departure, the Bills’ leading receiving options now include Moore, Khalil Shakir, and tight end Dalton Kincaid. Additional targets expected to contribute are Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, and Tyrell Shavers, providing a deeper group for quarterback Josh Allen to work with in the upcoming season.
Additional roster moves to enhance salary cap flexibility
In conjunction with releasing Samuel, Buffalo also waived nickel cornerback Taron Johnson, cornerback Dane Jackson, and safety Taylor Rapp on the same day, collectively generating about $12 million in cap savings. Johnson spent eight seasons with the Bills after being drafted in 2018, playing in 113 games and accumulating 572 tackles, eight sacks, and six interceptions.
Rapp joined the Bills as a free agent in 2023 and appeared in 36 games, recording 158 tackles, three interceptions, and eight passes defended. Meanwhile, Jackson returned to Buffalo for the 2024 season, adding to his five seasons played with the organization over six years.
Outlook for Buffalo Bills following roster changes
These moves reflect Buffalo’s ongoing effort to revitalize their roster amid recent offensive inconsistencies. By freeing up salary cap space and bringing in new talent like DJ Moore, the Bills aim to strengthen their receiving corps and improve overall performance in the 2026 season. How these changes will impact the team’s success remains to be seen, but they demonstrate a clear intent to address previous shortcomings and build a more competitive squad.
