Former Ohio State Buckeyes star is suffering through a brutal NFL season

When the Buffalo Bills signed wide receiver Curtis Samuel in free agency, it seemed like he would eventually become one of Josh Allen’s top targets.

That was especially considering the Bills cut each of their top two receivers, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, during the offseason.

However, Samuel’s 2024 campaign has not gone according to plan.

The former Ohio State Buckeyes star has been a bit of an afterthought in Buffalo’s offense, as he has recorded just 16 catches for 127 yards through nine games.

He is tied for fifth on the team in receptions with Mack Hollins, and Hollins has more yardage (197 yards) and has reached the end zone three times.

The addition of Amari Cooper (who was injured) has added more depth to the Bills receiving corps that also includes Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman, and even rookie receiver Ray Davis has made as much of an impact (if not more) as Samuel.

It’s not like Samuel was ever a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. He was always an additional option. However, he has always been closely involved in the crime.

For example, last year the 28-year-old caught 62 passes for 613 yards and four touchdowns with the Washington Commanders. Two seasons ago, he had 64 receptions for 656 yards and four scores.

Perhaps Buffalo will focus more on Samuel in the second half of the season. Or maybe he’s just out of place and will be placed on the trade block in March.

The Brooklyn native was originally selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft and is now on his third team.

Samuel spent three seasons at Ohio State between 2014 and 2016, with his best year coming in the latter campaign when he caught 74 balls for 865 yards and seven touchdowns, while also rushing for 771 yards and eight scores.

The bills certainly do not use Samuel in that capacity.