3 Buffalo Bills who drastically underperformed in 2024

Not all player signings worked out for the better for the Buffalo Bills in 2024.

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Each year Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills sign new players with high expectations. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out and some players don't live up to those expectations. In certain instances, some players have been with the team for more than one season and consistently fail to meet expectations and deliver the performance for which they are compensated.

The 2024 season was no different. The Bills were counting on several players, including a few of the 2024 free agent signees, to make plays and help get the team over the hump we call the Kansas City Chiefs, and despite a terrific regular season and a deep run in the playoffs, the team fell short. There were a few players this season that, had they stepped up in crunch time, could have made a significant, maybe season-altering impact.

Von Miller - Edge Rusher

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Von Miller's 2024 season statistics were disappointing, despite a total of six sacks, three of those occurring in the first four games. He missed four games for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. His overall performance, or lack thereof, in the playoffs is particularly troubling. Over three playoff games, he failed to record any sacks or tackles for loss, managed just two tackles, and registered only one quarterback hit. Miller was quiet but earned a healthy $14 million and stands to have a cap cost of $23 million in 2025 with $15 million dead cap hit if they cut him.

Curtis Samuel - Wide Receiver

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When the Bills signed Curtis Samuel, many expected him to become integral to offensive coordinator Joe Brady's system, after all, Samuel's best season was under Brady. Injuries were a significant issue for Samuel this season, preventing him from achieving consistency on the field and developing chemistry with Allen. Samuel produced only 31 receptions, 253 yards, and one touchdown. He was a bit more productive in the playoffs with six receptions on eight targets, for 81 yards, with one receiving and rushing touchdown, but most of that production was in the single game wild card game. Samuel will be entering year two of a three-year deal worth an average of $8 million per year. The dead cap hit from cutting Samuel would be $11 million.

DaQuan Jones - Defensive Interior

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DaQuan Jones made nearly $10 million in 2024 and his two-year contract is worth an annual average of $8 million. While the contract isn't overly expensive, it was significant based on Jones's performance this season. In 16 starts, he produced only 23 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and five TFLs. The only two prior seasons he had fewer tackles were his rookie season (one start) and 2023 (seven starts). Jones consistently failed to help his teammates around him by occupying blocks and pushing the pocket. His dead cap hit would be $7.6 million were the BIlls move on.

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