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Curtis Samuel Curtis Samuel Making noise at camp Thu, Jul 25, 2024, 12:33 PM Samuel has been a standout through the first two days of Bills training camp, Anthony Prohaska of Cover 1 Sports reports. Analysis: Samuel's explosiveness and versatility have flashed early at training camp, per Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard, and those are traits that could be maximized in offensive coordinator Joe Brady's familiar scheme. It was while paired with Brady that Samuel enjoyed a career year with Carolina in 2020, surpassing 1,000 yards from scrimmage. He now faces opportunity in a high-powered offense with significant competition, but no truly solidified pecking order. Rookie second-round pick Keon Coleman projects as the clearest fit for perimeter snaps, while Khalil Shakir and Samuel could suffer from overlap in the slot. Second-year TE Dalton Kincaid also threatens to dominate targets. Still, Samuel's unique set of tools could also lead to him earning designed plays and backfield touches, which could bring notable fantasy value if he's able to consistently make plays outside of three-wide sets.
Khalil Shakir Khalil Shakir Practicing during training camp Wed, Jul 24, 2024, 3:22 PM Shakir, who dealt with a lower-body issue during last month's minicamp, participated in the first day of training camp practice Wednesday, Alec White of the Bills' official site reports. Analysis: With Shakir available as camp opens, the 2022 fifth-round pick appears poised to cement a key role in a revamped receiver corps that also includes veteran newcomers Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Chase Claypool, as well as rookie Keon Coleman. With Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis no longer in the mix, Shakir is the only returning returning wideout who has caught a pass from quarterback Josh Allen in a regular-season game, a context that should lead to added opportunities for the 24-year-old. Shakir logged a 39-611-2 receiving line on 45 targets over 17 regular-season games in 2023, then added 10 catches for 75 yards and two scores on 12 targets over two playoff contests.
Keon Coleman Keon Coleman Inks rookie deal with Buffalo Thu, Jun 13, 2024, 5:25 PM Coleman signed a four-year rookie contract Wednesday, Alec White of the Bills' official site reports. Analysis: Coleman, selected 33rd overall in April, has a good chance to be the team's No. 1 or No. 2 receiver right out of the gate, as the Bills lack a proven star in the entire wideout corps after trading away Stefon Diggs during the offseason. The Bills now have all 10 of their 2024 picks signed to deals.
Khalil Shakir Khalil Shakir Expects to be full go for camp Thu, Jun 13, 2024, 11:54 AM Shakir (lower body) said at Thursday's final minicamp practice that he expects to be 100 percent healthy for the start of training camp late July, Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News reports. Analysis: Shakir limped off the field with an apparent lower-body injury Tuesday, and while he hasn't practiced since, there doesn't seem to be substantial concern about his health. The 2022 fifth-round pick logged a strong end to the 2023 campaign and looks positioned as a key starter in Buffalo's wide receiver corps, which lost Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis but added Curtis Samuel and Keon Coleman, plus depth contributors Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Chase Claypool and Mack Hollins. Shakir is also the Bills' top return man, a role which could prove more fantasy relevant now, due to the NFL's revised kickoff rules.
Josh Allen Josh Allen Tweaking throwing motion Wed, Jun 12, 2024, 11:29 AM Allen is working on improving his throwing motion this offseason, ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg reports. Analysis: Allen said the changes have felt really good at times and not so good at others. He injured his right shoulder Week 6 last season but still managed to play every game for a fifth straight year, and he confirmed in late January that he wouldn't need surgery. Some of what he's working on this offseason is returning to his pre-injury mechanics after the shoulder discomfort led to a lower, wider motion last year. The other big change will be his receiving corps, with Khalil Shakir the only WR on the roster that's ever caught a pass from Allen. The Bills parted ways with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason and brought in Curtis Samuel, second-round pick Keon Coleman, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Chase Claypool and Mack Hollins. On the other hand, Allen and offensive coordinator Joe Brady will have continuity at running back (James Cook, Ty Johnson), tight end (Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox) and on the offensive line (four of five starters returning).
Khalil Shakir Khalil Shakir Exits practice early Tue, Jun 11, 2024, 2:23 PM Shakir exited Tuesday's minicamp practice early due to an apparent lower-body issue, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Per Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo, Shakir chatted with trainers after suffering the injury and then limped off the field. He didn't return to the session and can be considered day-to-day. The 2022 fifth-rounder is the top returnee in a Buffalo WR corps that no longer includes Stefon Diggs or Gabe Davis, leaving Shakir to compete for snaps and targets with a group of newcomers that includes Curtis Samuel, rookie Keon Coleman, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Chase Claypool and Mack Hollins.
Chase Claypool Chase Claypool Shines at OTAs Mon, Jun 10, 2024, 10:19 AM Claypool has been the Bills' "most consistent" wide receiver at OTAs, according to Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard. Analysis: It's perhaps not surprising that a 6-foot-4 wideout with 4.42 speed and ample NFL experience looks good in non-contact practices, but it's nonetheless interesting to hear the word 'consistent' used in conjunction with Claypool. He fell out of favor with the Steelers in 2022 and the Bears in 2023, and while Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel complimented him on multiple occasions, Claypool caught only four passes in nine games after a trade to Miami last October. He'll turn 26 in July and has an interesting opportunity ahead, competing for snaps in a high-upside offense where only Khalil Shakir and Curtis Samuel seem assured of significant playing time at wide receiver. Claypool could even join those two as a regular presence in three-wide sets if his impressive work this spring continues into summer, but he'll have to hold off competition from 33rd overall pick Keon Coleman as well as veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Mack Hollins.
Mack Hollins Mack Hollins More competition emerges Sun, May 19, 2024, 12:32 PM Hollins, who was signed as a free agent by the Bills in March, has seen the receiver room fill out in the time since, with the Bills drafting Keon Coleman in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft while also adding veterans Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Chase Claypool. Analysis: For a very brief period, Hollins was a starter on the otherwise lethal Buffalo offensive depth chart, but things have changed, and it now looks as if the Bills will let several journeymen duke it out for slotting. With Buffalo being likely to feature running back James Cook and tight end Dalton Kincaid heavily in the passing game, it's difficult to envision Hollins having anything more than a depth role as a receiver that offers good size in the red zone, though it should be noted that he's never caught more than four touchdowns in an NFL season.
Chase Claypool Chase Claypool New competition in WR room Tue, May 14, 2024, 11:25 AM Claypool will have more competition for a roster spot after the Bills signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal Tuesday. Analysis: The Bills seem to be signing as many journeymen wideouts with proven upside as they can this offseason, and seeing who can stick alongside highly touted rookie Keon Coleman and third-year man Khalil Shakir. For now, it looks like MVS, Claypool, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins will battle for roster spots and positioning on the depth chart.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling Marquez Valdes-Scantling Gets one-year deal in Buffalo Tue, May 14, 2024, 9:45 AM The Bills are slated to sign Valdes-Scantling to a one-year contract worth up to $4.5 million Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Analysis: Valdes-Scantling was released by the Chiefs back in February, and he now lands with another AFC powerhouse. Buffalo's revamped wide receiver corps, which lost Stefon Diggs via trade and Gabe Davis to free agency, could use a deep threat to complement Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and rookie second-round pick Keon Coleman. Working as the No. 4 man on the depth chart could be an ideal situation for Valdes-Scantling to contribute, though if utilized only as a situation downfield target, he's more likely to slightly raise Josh Allen's ceiling than carry standalone value. Across 16 regular-season games last year, the 29-year-old compiled a career-low 21-315-1 receiving line.
Chase Claypool Chase Claypool Links up with Buffalo Fri, May 3, 2024, 9:51 AM Claypool is signing a one-year contract with the Bills, Jonathan Jones of CBSSports.com reports. Analysis: Unable to make an impact in Chicago or Miami last season, Claypool now heads to his fourth NFL team for his fifth year in the league. It's about as good of a locale as he could've hoped for, as the Bills have a strong-armed franchise QB and questionable depth at WR. Claypool could perhaps serve as a deep threat off the bench even if his days as a starter are numbered.
Curtis Samuel Curtis Samuel Get competition via draft Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 6:12 PM Samuel has a new teammate in the receiving room after the Bills took Keon Coleman out of Florida State with the first pick of the second round Friday. Analysis: Samuel, signed as a free agent in March, was never going to be a No. 1 or even a No. 2 in Buffalo, but now we at least know who's been brought in ahead of him on the depth chart. It's a mild surprise the Bills chose only one receiver with their 10 draft picks, so for now the versatile Samuel likely sits No. 3 in the pecking order behind Khalil Shakir and Coleman. That said, this is a perfect offense for Samuel's skill set, and he'll be a weapon of some sort once things get going, just not the primary receiving option.
James Cook James Cook Backfield depth added by Buffalo Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 2:27 PM Cook is slated to be joined by rookie fourth-rounder Ray Davis in the Bills backfield this coming season, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Cook is coming off a 2023 regular season in which he carried 237times for 1,122 yards and two TDs to go along with 44 catches for 445 yards and four more scores in 17 games. With veteran backs Latavius Murray and Damien Harris no longer in the mix, Davis should have an opportunity to step into a complementary role behind Cook, while potentially claiming a share of the team's short-yardage work. Also in the team's backfield mix are Ty Johnson, Darrynton Evans and reported UDFA signing Frank Gore Jr., though none is likely to prevent Cook from maintaining steady enough volume in his third pro season.
Quintez Cephus Quintez Cephus Signs with Buffalo Sun, Apr 28, 2024, 11:32 AM Cephus reached an agreement with the Bills on Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Analysis: Cephus is attempting to revive his NFL career after he was suspended all of last season for violating the league's gambling policy. The 26-year-old wide receiver played in 13 games with Detroit during his 2020 rookie campaign, totaling 20 receptions for 349 yards and two touchdowns, but he participated in just nine contests in the subsequent two years, compiling 17 catches for 219 yards and two scores. Cephus will have a chance to compete for a roster spot among a Buffalo wide-receiver corps that will look much different from last season with the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.
Khalil Shakir Khalil Shakir Standing continues to improve Wed, Apr 3, 2024, 11:06 AM Shakir faces a clearer path to targets in 2024 after the Bills traded Stefon Diggs to the Texans on Wednesday, just a few weeks after Gabe Davis signed as a free agent with the Jaguars. Analysis: One would think Bills general manager Brandon Beane has a second move up his sleeve following Wednesday's blockbuster deal, plus Buffalo will almost certainly select one or two wide receivers toward the top of their draft. For the time being, though, Shakir and newcomer Curtis Samuel are the team's top two receivers. Shakir, who is heading into his third NFL season, is coming off a 2023 campaign in which he produced a 39-611-2 receiving line over 17 regular-season games. His fantasy prospects continue to trend upward, especially with Josh Allen's strong arm delivering him the ball.
Curtis Samuel Curtis Samuel Inks three-year deal with Buffalo Thu, Mar 14, 2024, 5:04 PM The Bills and Samuel agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Analysis: Over the last two seasons in Washington, Samuel combined for 126 catches (on 183 targets), 1,269 yards and eight touchdowns in 33 regular-season games. He also boasts an average of 5.9 yards on 121 carries across seven years as a pro. With Buffalo, Samuel will bring a versatile aspect to a passing game headlined by QB Josh Allen, WRs Stefon Diggs and Khalil Shakir and TE Dalton Kincaid.
Ty Johnson Ty Johnson Sticking with Buffalo Thu, Mar 14, 2024, 8:36 AM Johnson is re-signing with Buffalo on a one-year contract, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports. Analysis: The 2019 sixth-round pick played in 18 games for the Lions and 44 for the Jets before landing in Buffalo last year. Johnson then spent the first month and a half of the 2023 season on the practice squad, eventually getting a promotion after Damien Harris suffered a season-ending head/neck injury in mid-October. By the end of the year, Johnson had eclipsed Latavius Murray as the team's No. 2 RB, getting 15 carries and three targets for 80 total yards in two playoff games. He'll now stick in Buffalo, where James Cook and Darrynton Evans are the only other RBs under contract at the start of the 2024 league year.
Mack Hollins Mack Hollins Joining Buffalo Wed, Mar 13, 2024, 9:54 AM Hollins agreed to a contract with the Bills on Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Hollins enjoyed a mini-breakout for the Raiders in 2022 with 690 receiving yards -- more than tripling his previous season high -- but then dropped to 251 yards in 13 games with the Falcons in 2023. Though he's valued for his blocking and special teams contributions as much as his receiving ability, Hollins could take some of the snaps and targets that previously went to Gabe Davis, who is leaving Buffalo to sign with Jacksonville. In any case, it's almost a certainty the Bills will be targeting a wide receiver with an early pick in April's draft.
Dawson Knox Dawson Knox Agrees to restructure contract Mon, Mar 11, 2024, 9:24 AM Knox and the Bills have agreed to a restructured contract that lowers his scheduled $14.4 million cap hit for 2024, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: The tight end is entering the second season of a four-year, $52 million extension that guarantees most of his money through 2024 but none thereafter. It's possible this agreement changes that, but if not, Knox's future with the team could come into question next offseason. His fantasy value has taken a big hit since the Bills drafted fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Quintin Morris Quintin Morris Back with Buffalo Fri, Mar 8, 2024, 3:09 PM The Bills re-signed Morris on a one-year deal Friday. Analysis: The 25-year-old tight end will remain in Buffalo after spending the first two years of his career with the Bills. Morris has appeared in 19 games over the past two seasons, logging 10 catches for 210 yards and two touchdowns while also contributing on special teams. The Bowling Green product likely isn't guaranteed a roster spot, but he's expected to compete for another depth/special teams role throughout the offseason.