When Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady took over the play-calling duties in the middle of 2023, that would begin the spark of wide receiver Khalil Shakir’s contribution with the Bills. Buffalo drafted Shakir in the 5th round in 2022 as a depth receiver, but he has blossomed into a solid starter in Buffalo’s offense.
Shakir’s breakout game onto the scene took place in 2023 in Week 11 against the New York Jets where he had his first career game over 100 yards and a score. Even with Brady implementing an “everybody eats” offensive mentality, Shakir has still become one of Josh Allen’s go-to weapons in the offense.
In three seasons, Shakir has caught 75.8% of his passes. Last season, Shakir had a career-high 100 targets, catching 76 passes for 821 yards and 4 touchdowns. The next closest player in terms of targets was tight end Dalton Kincaid (75).
Khalil Shakir is being overlooked outside of Bills fans
Jonathon Macri from Pro Football Focus (PFF) listed the most underrated player for each team heading into the 2025 season, and while Shakir may not be the biggest well-known player, saying he is underrated discredits the work he has already done. Macri listed Shakir as Buffalo’s most underrated player, but Shakir deserves more respect.
"Shakir has been a stable contributor for the Bills’ receiving corps over the past two seasons, and he stepped up significantly in 2024 in Stefon Diggs‘ absence, leading the team in targets (115), receiving yards (995), PFF receiving grade (80.1) and yards per route run (2.20). Shakir placed in the top 25 for the position in all of those categories."Jonathon Macri, PFF
There’s a reason why the Bills extended Shakir to a four-year deal this past offseason. He’s reliable and he averaged double digits yards per reception. As a true slot receiver, Shakir is a perfect fit for Brady’s offense.
Instead of having Shakir listed as the Bills’ most underrated player, someone like running back Ray Davis would have made more sense. Given the fact that the Bills are having some contract drama with James Cook, Davis showed flashes last season which could eventually lead him to becoming a starter if Cook leaves Buffalo after 2025.