The NFL’s new kickoff regulations plus the high turnover in the special teams unit mean that the Bills may have to choose a primary kick returner by 2024.
In March, the NFL announced its adoption of a modified version of the XFL’s kickoff rules, known for being low-impact yet high-action. These rules will debut in the 2024 season. Bills head coach Sean McDermott, a member of the league’s Competition Committee, played a role in shaping these new kickoff rules. Consequently, the Bills’ special teams are expected to see early success.
However, determining the best player for kick return duties remains a topic of debate among the team’s coaching staff.
Last season, the Bills had six different players return only 17 kickoffs, and four of them are no longer on the roster. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir and running back Ty Johnson accounted for 13 of those returns. Shakir, however, is expected to play a significant role in the team’s offense this season.
As a result, Ty Johnson emerges as the leading candidate for full-time kickoff duties. Nonetheless, which other Bills players could potentially step into this role for the team in 2024?
3 Intriguing Buffalo Bills that can return kicks under new rules in 2024
Curtis Samuel
When the Bills acquired Samuel in free agency, general manager Brandon Beane praised his versatility, emphasizing his ability to line up in various positions including backfield, receiver, and potentially as a return specialist.
Although Samuel hasn’t handled return duties since 2018, he returned 20 kickoffs during his early NFL years with the Carolina Panthers, and had experience returning 21 kickoffs during his college career at Ohio State University.
Samuel’s exceptional speed and field awareness as both a runner and receiver make a compelling case for him to assume a primary returner role for the Bills in 2024. The team will assess this possibility closely during training camp and preseason activities.
Moreover, Samuel’s substantial $24 million contract underscores the team’s intention to feature him prominently in Buffalo’s plans.