Before the 2024 NFL season began, the Buffalo Bills traded away their top wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, and adopted a more balanced offensive approach where multiple players contributed. Many expected quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense to decline without a clear No. 1 target, but the team defied expectations by securing their fifth straight AFC East title and coming within one game of reaching the Super Bowl. Allen delivered the best performance of his seven-year career, earning the AP Most Valuable Player award.
Among Buffalo’s receiving corps, Khalil Shakir, a 2022 fifth-round pick, emerged as Allen’s most dependable target. He led the team with 76 receptions for 821 yards and four touchdowns. In three playoff games, Shakir was highly efficient, catching 18 of 20 targets for 174 yards. Although he still had one year left on his rookie contract, the Bills ensured his long-term future with the franchise by signing him to a lucrative extension on February 25.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bills and Shakir agreed to a four-year extension worth up to $60.2 million, with $32 million guaranteed at signing and $18 million paid in the first year. This deal keeps him in Buffalo through the 2029 season. Shakir’s ability to generate yards after the catch (605) ranked second in the league behind Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase.
Josh Allen was quick to celebrate the news, reposting the announcement on his Instagram Stories just minutes after the Bills made it official. The team shared the news on X, stating, “Here to stay!! Khalil Shakir has agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension through 2029.”
Buffalo’s decision to extend Shakir was met with widespread approval. Mike Bundt of Trainwreck Sports praised the move, calling Shakir the “perfect weapon” for the offense, highlighting his versatility, reliability, and upside. Mike Catalana of 13WHAM added, “Congrats to Khalil Shakir on his 4-year, $60 million extension. Better every year. Still has a higher ceiling. Key player for Josh Allen and offense going forward. Now they need a true No. 1 on the outside.”
