The last sjf training camp of 2025 8/7

[YattaOkasan]

4 minutes ago, Logic said:

I understand what you're saying and respect your opinion, but...

Curtis Samuel had 253 yards and 1 TD in the regular season last year. Yes, you can argue that that was because of health, but the best ability is availability.

He had games of 9 yards and 4 yards receiving in the playoffs (and yes, a good game against Denver).

He has posted more than 600 yards receiving ONCE, and it was in 2020.

I think his name and the IDEA of what he "could" do is more enticing to people than what his actual production -- both as a Bill and in the years preceding it -- have shown. I agree that game production should mean more than camp production, but currently, Shavers is showing major camp production while Samuel is once again on the sidelines with an injury. What if Shavers shows out in the preseason and Samuel is sidelined?

Ultimately, it's likely a moot point, because Samuel's dead cap number this year would be large if cut, and his contract is structured for 2026 to be the more likely "out". He'll most likely be making the roster.

Team had the option last year of playing shavers over Samuel in the playoffs and other important games. They didn’t and I don’t think this years camp proves he’s better than what Samuel’s did put on tape (unless you think Samuel’s injuries have caused his play to diminish further). If they had the same contract would you put GabeDavis behind shavers?  Would you put Samuel’s behind him?

[Low Positive]

Vet teams with continuity at both coordinator positions are going to be extremely cautious with injuries in camp. There are very few position battles and both the offense and defensive schemes are being carried over from last year. Guys know what they are supposed to be doing and almost all of the slots in our 53 are filled. I'll start to worry if guys show up on the actual injury report leading into week one.

 

My main concerns are Shakir's high-ankle sprain (because those linger) and Hairston missing valuable camp time as a rookie. The other stuff will probably sort itself out over the next three weeks.

[YattaOkasan]

1 minute ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

No. I am just showing he has a burst as well. You're reading wayyyyyyyy too much into a simple post. Sheesh.

No sweat. I know he has burst and it’s why I would be happy to have him on the team. I still think he missing parts of his game that Samuel has demonstrated. I admittedly was expecting this clip so sorry for jumping all over it

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

Fetes did us dirty there. Capitalize WILL but not NOT. 

 

I've been about 90% sure Shavers was making this team since early in the off season. Nothing I've seen or heard has swayed me from that. In fact it probably increased my view. 

 

I don't know if Buffalo keeps 6 WRs, but with all the early injuries in camp to the position it wouldn't shock me. Maybe they go lighter in the secondary. I see Samuel or Moore as possible game day inactives (or in Samuels case an injury related inactive). Shavers adds much more on STs. Sort of like a Jake Kumerow. 

I agree.  Seems like the smart move would be to keep Shavers as Wr5 and place Samuel on IR to start the year and bring him back as late as possible.  Theres close to zero percent chance he stays healthy all season, so keep him from getting injured by placing him on IR.    

[BuffaloBillyG]

4 minutes ago, YattaOkasan said:

No sweat. I know he has burst and it’s why I would be happy to have him on the team. I still think he missing parts of his game that Samuel has demonstrated. I admittedly was expecting this clip so sorry for jumping all over it

No worries. I agree, when healthy Samuels is clearly an more complete player. A better player. But the best ability is availability...which is where Curtis is a liability. 

1 minute ago, NewEra said:

I agree.  Seems like the smart move would be to keep Shavers as Wr5 and place Samuel on IR to start the year and bring him back as late as possible.  Theres close to zero percent chance he stays healthy all season, so keep him from getting injured by placing him on IR.    

IMO, they should have had him and Kincaid on IR a good chunk of last year to heal up better from their nagging injuries rather than trot them out every week. 

[Rubes]

1 hour ago, 17islongenough said:

They said they brought in two kickers yesterday 

 

Reeally? Wow, I totally missed that, thanks.

 

[Lost]

1 minute ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

 

IMO, they should have had him and Kincaid on IR a good chunk of last year to heal up better from their nagging injuries rather than trot them out every week. 

 

I mean if 7 months of offseason didn't let them get over their injuries, what is 3 months of in season IR gonna do?

[BigAl2526]

1 hour ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

Well, we had Matt Barkley at punter one preseason game. 

 

Maybe we bring him back. 

With the new kickoff rules the last couple years, it's not such a great advantage to have a big legged kicker who gets it through the end zone every time.

[Pete]

11 minutes ago, YattaOkasan said:

Team had the option last year of playing shavers over Samuel in the playoffs and other important games. They didn’t and I don’t think this years camp proves he’s better than what Samuel’s did put on tape (unless you think Samuel’s injuries have caused his play to diminish further). If they had the same contract would you put GabeDavis behind shavers?  Would you put Samuel’s behind him?

Samuel doesnt play special teams, and we are tight on roster spots.  #1 Gunner is very valuable player.  Coaches gush about Shavers.  Shavers just got carried off on stretcher, and was back days 2 days later, making play after play.  All Feathers in Shavers cap.  Shavers is making roster and will be valuable player IMO 

[Don Otreply]

19 minutes ago, YattaOkasan said:

Team had the option last year of playing shavers over Samuel in the playoffs and other important games. They didn’t and I don’t think this years camp proves he’s better than what Samuel’s did put on tape (unless you think Samuel’s injuries have caused his play to diminish further). If they had the same contract would you put GabeDavis behind shavers?  Would you put Samuel’s behind him?

Since Samuel got to Buffalo he hasn’t been better than anyone, so where is the difference? At some point ya gotta try someone else, lol.

[BuffaloBillyG]

10 minutes ago, BigAl2526 said:

With the new kickoff rules the last couple years, it's not such a great advantage to have a big legged kicker who gets it through the end zone every time.

No. But you do need that big legged kicker for long FG attempts 

[BigAl2526]

30 minutes ago, Andrew Son said:

My biggest concern is the reliance on older, injury prone players- namely Tre, Milano, and Bosa.

Alleviating that a bit for me is the fact that the Bills have improving depth at all those spots.  Hairston should be healthy at the start of the season and Stong is coming on in camp.  Dorian Willliams is another year older and smarter.  Buffalo still has Epenesa, Solomon is showing development and the Bills added Landon Jackson in the draft.  Then, of course, after 6 weeks of the season the Bills will have Hoecht available.

[BuffaloBillyG]

18 minutes ago, Lost said:

 

I mean if 7 months of offseason didn't let them get over their injuries, what is 3 months of in season IR gonna do?

From what I've heard and seen both of them this TC have new injuries...nothing held over from last year. 

 

But yes, 12 weeks to get his knee less wear and tear would likely have helped Kincaid. 12 weeks of not running and cutting would likely have helped Samuels turf toe last year. Neither injury has anything to do with this years injuries from what I'm told 

[BigAl2526]

9 minutes ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

No. But you do need that big legged kicker for long FG attempts 

They can always go for it in 4th and short situations or punt if 4th and long in preseason.

[inkman]

2 hours ago, HappyDays said:

 

 

2 hours ago, Fleezoid said:

 

That's an odd choice of caps. Should have capitalized "not". Almost makes it intentionally confusing. 

 

2 hours ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

Fetes did us dirty there. Capitalize WILL but not NOT. 

 

I've been about 90% sure Shavers was making this team since early in the off season. Nothing I've seen or heard has swayed me from that. In fact it probably increased my view. 

 

I don't know if Buffalo keeps 6 WRs, but with all the early injuries in camp to the position it wouldn't shock me. Maybe they go lighter in the secondary. I see Samuel or Moore as possible game day inactives (or in Samuels case an injury related inactive). Shavers adds much more on STs. Sort of like a Jake Kumerow. 

He fixed it. Maybe he visits TBD.  

 

 

[appoo]

1 hour ago, CA OC Bills Fan said:

Not sure why you say we can't trade him unless you mean no team would pull the trigger based on his contract. I absolutely think it's possible they find a way to trade Samuel. Actually, the only thing that would surprise me is they were to cut him. I could see a trade, placing him on IR, or expecting he'll be healthy and a solid contributor.

No team is going to take that contract. Even the greats fumble on occasion and I think Beane fumbled here

[The Firebaugh Kid]

2 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

 

If it comes down to Moore or Samuel, I'm guessing Samuel's the goner.

 

I understand the health concerns, but Samuel had big tds in both playoff games last year. 

[Low Positive]

13 minutes ago, appoo said:

No team is going to take that contract. Even the greats fumble on occasion and I think Beane fumbled here

That was Joe Brady asking for a guy he got good production out of in Carolina. 

[YattaOkasan]

48 minutes ago, Pete said:

Samuel doesnt play special teams, and we are tight on roster spots.  #1 Gunner is very valuable player.  Coaches gush about Shavers.  Shavers just got carried off on stretcher, and was back days 2 days later, making play after play.  All Feathers in Shavers cap.  Shavers is making roster and will be valuable player IMO 

I would also be happy with him on the roster.  I dont think he has more value over Samuels.  Pretty certain Bills agree with me or else they would have called him up for the active roster in the playoffs last year.  Everything you said applies to postseason (unless you think Samuels play has diminished from last year).  So to say Shavers should be more is of more importance to the roster than Samuels is not supported by the evidence.  Again I would be very happy with Shavers on the team.

[PromoTheRobot]

2 hours ago, 17islongenough said:

They said they brought in two kickers yesterday