The Buffalo Bills made their first big signing of the NFL free agency period by inking WR Curtis Samuel to a three-year deal.
And his previous playing under Joe Brady during his last pro stint as an offensive coordinator played a key role in landing the receiver.
“I was super-excited when the opportunity came, having some experience with Joe Brady and Carolina definitely influenced me a lot,” Samuel said during his introductory media availability.
“He (Brady) definitely feels like he’s a good leader, somebody you can put your trust in just because I’ve seen it, I’ve seen him put a lot of guys in great situations,” Samuel said. “He gets the most out of his players. I feel like that’s a testament of who he is, about how much guys respect him, and they lean on him, and they trust him.”
The addition of Samuel, whom Bills GM Brandon Beane helped draft while with Carolina’s front office, includes explosive playmaking potential.
He achieved career-high numbers in his last season together with Brady in 2020 (77 catches for 851 yards receiving and over 1,000 total yards.)
“When I get the ball in my hands, I feel like I’m dynamic,” Samuel said. “That’s what I’m here to bring, just some explosive plays and be a team player. Whatever they need me to be, whatever they need me to do, whether it’s block, catch the ball. Whatever it needs to be, I’m here to be that team guy and help us make plays.”
As an offensive weapon, Samuel’s versatility will allow him to line up in the slot, outside, and from the backfield in the run game as well.
“It’s a little tougher for defenders because I got multiple ways I can go,” Samuel said. “You know, a lot of DBs can use the sideline as their best friend. But in the slot, there’s a whole bunch of room.”
He brings an elite burst with yards-after-catch potential to QB Josh Allen, whom he’s excited to connect with on the field.
“After I signed, he definitely reached out and I spoke to him,” Samuel said about Allen. “I’m definitely excited, I’ve watched him last year when I didn’t have games or when the games were on TV, I watched him. Exciting quarterback, tough, hard-nosed. But, you know, my job is just to make the game as easy as possible for him and I feel like that’s just trying to get open as fast as I can and make the game easier for him.”
After spending his last several seasons with Washington amidst their years as a franchise in transition, the appeal of Buffalo as a competitor with a dedicated fan base holds high appeal to one of the newest Bills.
“It’s a winning organization,” Samuel said. “I just was excited. The fan base was insane. I’ve been to a lot of other places, I’m always grateful for every stop that I took along my journey. I wouldn’t be who I am today without all those people and all the support that I get.
“But I definitely be excited to play in front of these fans.”
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