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Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen and TE Dawson Knox
The Buffalo Bills are facing important roster decisions this offseason, and there’s a chance they may part ways with two veteran players.
Buffalo Could Move Off a Few Veteran Players
According to NFL.com’s Matt Okada, wide receiver Curtis Samuel or tight end Dawson Knox could be potential release candidates this offseason.
“After a(nother) disappointing playoff loss to end the 2025 season, the Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott, promoted OC Joe Brady to that role and will retool around Josh Allen this offseason to make a run at the Super Bowl … again,” Okada wrote on Monday. “GM Brandon Beane has struggled to find the right offensive pieces to properly support his all-world QB, and chief among his misses were Samuel and Knox. Buffalo signed Samuel to a three-year, $24 million deal in 2024, and he’s totaled 38 catches for 334 yards and two touchdowns the last two seasons.
“It previously signed Knox to a four-year, $52 million extension in 2022, and while Knox made the Pro Bowl that season, he has been middling at best in the three years since. Samuel can be cut for $6.1 million in cap savings — arguably a necessity given his lack of production — and Knox can be released for $9.7 million in savings prior to June 1 or $12 million in savings as a post-June 1 designation. Dumping one (or both) would go a long way to arming Buffalo for a run at a true No. 1 receiver.”
Bills Should Look to Move Off Knox & Samuel
The main objective for the Bills this offseason should be to create as much cap space as possible to bring in a star wide receiver. Moving on from players like Samuel and Knox could be a smart way to achieve this goal.
Samuel has been in the NFL since 2017, spending time with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders before joining the Bills in 2024.
When the Bills signed Samuel, it seemed like a solid acquisition. However, he’s played in only 20 games over the past two seasons, with 14 of those appearances coming two years ago.
Samuel dealt with a hamstring injury dating back to training camp, and he also sustained neck and elbow injuries midway through the season. Last offseason, the Bills signed wide receiver Josh Palmer to a three-year, $36 million contract. There was a chance Buffalo might cut ties with Samuel after bringing Palmer on board, but it ultimately decided to keep him around this season.
Parting ways with Knox could be intriguing since he’s been with the Bills since 2019. However, Dalton Kincaid has emerged as the No. 1 tight end for Buffalo, and the Bills might explore options to save costs at the No. 2 tight end position.
If the Bills can part ways with both Knox and Samuel and bring in a standout wide receiver or even some top-notch defensive help, it could really work in Buffalo’s favor as it heads into next season.
The NFL’s new league year is scheduled to kick off on March 11, and the Bills could make several moves that day.
Danny Fisher Is a football journalist covering the Buffalo Bills for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL for Gridiron Heroics, focusing on the AFC and Penn State football for Nittany Central. More about Danny Fisher
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