Bills cut ties with playmaker after sign with Josh Palmer, save $8,6M cap hit

Buffalo, NY – Jun 16, 2025The Buffalo Bills have released a wide receiver after signing Josh Palmer in the offseason, sources told ESPN. The move, driven by roster competition and salary cap constraints, saves $8.6 million, signaling a strategic shift for a 2025 title run.

Samuel joined the Bills in 2024 on a three-year, $24 million deal but struggled, managing just 315 yards and one touchdown in 14 games. Despite a prior connection with offensive coordinator Joe Brady—where he thrived with 851 yards in 2020—Samuel couldn’t find a consistent role in Buffalo. Samuel joined the Bills in 2024 on a three-year, $24 million deal but struggled, managing just 315 yards and one touchdown in 14 games. Despite a prior connection with offensive coordinator Joe Brady—where he thrived with 851 yards in 2020—Samuel couldn’t find a consistent role in Buffalo.

“Curtis didn’t meet the expectations we had,” a team source told ESPN. “With Palmer’s addition, we had to make a tough call to optimize our roster.”

The Bills signed Palmer to a three-year, $36 million deal, later reducing his cap hit to $6.5 million, and added Elijah Moore on a one-year, $5 million contract. They also drafted Kaden Prather in the seventh round, bolstering a receiver group led by Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman. Releasing Samuel, who carried a $5.6 million cap hit for 2025, frees up $8.6 million after accounting for a $4.1 million dead cap hit. The Bills now have $28.2 million in cap space, positioning them to pursue a true WR1 or a veteran cornerback to improve their secondary, which ranked 24th in coverage last year.

Samuel’s departure marks the end of a disappointing tenure. The 29-year-old, once a dynamic playmaker, fell behind Shakir (821 yards) and Coleman (556 yards) in production. His role diminished further with Palmer and Moore joining the fold, making his release a logical step.

“We’re focused on building a championship team,” said Brandon Beane. “This move gives us flexibility to address key needs.”

With Josh Allen’s 4,306-yard MVP season and James Cook’s 1,086-yard rushing leading the way, the Bills are poised for a 2025 title run. As they gear up for a pivotal home clash with the Chiefs, the cap savings from Samuel’s release could fuel a game-changing acquisition.