Bills Trade WR Bust to Nab Higher Pick from No. 30

Buffalo, NY – April 13, 2025

The Buffalo Bills are shaking up their draft plans, trading wide receiver Curtis Samuel to the Atlanta Falcons for pick 22 and a 2025 sixth-rounder, sources told ESPN Monday. GM Brandon Beane, eager to climb from No. 30, aims to snag Texas star cornerback Jahdae Barron to bolster a thin secondary.

With Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman leading the receivers, Samuel’s $8.9 million deal became surplus after a lackluster 2024. Beane jumped to secure Barron’s elite coverage, filling gaps left by Rasul Douglas’ exit and Kaiir Elam’s trade. Atlanta, needing a spark for Kirk Cousins, sees Samuel as a versatile fix.

Samuel flopped last season—31 catches, 335 yards, 2 touchdowns in 15 games. Signed as Gabe Davis’ replacement, his 22.3 yards per game fell short of WR2 hopes. Over three years, he hit 1,927 yards, but never cracked Buffalo’s top targets.

Barron, 26, dazzled in 2024—five interceptions, 54.4% completion rate allowed, and the Jim Thorpe Award as top defensive back. His 5’11”, 194-pound frame thrives at corner, nickel, or safety, perfect for Sean McDermott’s zone-heavy scheme.

Fans back Beane’s move—Barron beside Christian Benford could stifle Kansas City’s air game. Shedding Samuel’s $24 million contract saves cap space, while pick 22 locks in a potential CB1 for Buffalo’s 15th-ranked pass defense.

Atlanta gains Samuel’s speed to stretch defenses, easing pressure on Drake London. Buffalo’s bet rests on Barron, whose 14.7% forced incompletion rate screams impact. Beane’s draft haul, with 10 picks, fuels his bold vision.

Two Chiefs showdowns await—Barron could shift the tide. Samuel’s departure barely ripples with Shakir’s rise, but his Falcons role might not haunt Buffalo if Barron delivers. The Bills’ Super Bowl chase hinges on this draft leap.

Beane’s gamble sets the stage—pick 22 could redefine Buffalo’s defense and finally topple the AFC’s toughest foe. Fans eye a breakout season in Orchard Park.