The Buffalo Bills reportedly may release two veteran contributors this offseason to free up significant cap room. NFL.com’s Matt Okada indicated that wide receiver Curtis Samuel and tight end Dawson Knox could be potential release candidates, aiming to retool around quarterback Josh Allen after another disappointing playoff run and a coaching shake-up.
Samuel, signed to a three-year, $24 million deal in 2024, has totaled 38 receptions for 334 yards and two touchdowns across the last two seasons. He carries a $6.1 million cap savings if cut this offseason. Knox, a four-year, $52 million extension recipient in 2022, has been less productive in the years since his Pro Bowl season. He could yield $9.7 million in savings prior to June 1, or up to $12 million with a post-June 1 designation, depending on how Buffalo structures the move.
The rationale centers on creating cap space to pursue a true No. 1 receiver, with Samuel and Knox cited as primary targets for potential release. Samuel’s recent injury history and limited production, plus Knox’s declining production after an early-career Pro Bowl year, fuel the consideration. Buffalo also signed Dalton Kincaid and Josh Palmer in recent years, which factors into the thought of reallocating resources at receiver and tight end.
If the Bills move on from both veterans, they’d likely aim to sign a standout wideout or bolster defensive impact to support Allen. The NFL’s new league year begins March 11, at which point Buffalo could implement these changes. This analysis originally appeared on Heavy Sports and reflects ongoing discussions about Buffalo’s offseason strategy.
