The Buffalo Bills saw receiver Khalil Shakir take a huge step forward in his development last season, even in a ground-and-pound, run-heavy attack. While running back James Cook won the rushing title with 1,621 yards, Shakir led the team in receiving yards with 719 on 72 catches, 91 targets, and four touchdowns in 16 regular-season games.
Despite that, he will try to help a revamped Bills receiving corps in 2026 that did not have a 1,000-yard receiver in 2025. Shakir could be one of the first, other than trade acquisition D.J. Moore, to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark thanks to a more aggressive approach on offense led by head coach Joe Brady and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr.
Let's take a look at what Khalil Shakir's predicted numbers will look like in 2026.
What will Khalil Shakir bring to the 2026 season?
Khalil Shakir enters this season in what will be a pivotal year for the Buffalo Bills in 2026. With Shakir coming back as one of the key wideouts in this receiving room, his role is expected to be different from what it was in the past.
During the last two seasons with the Bills, Shakir was basically playing out of position as a WR1. He led the team with 719 receiving yards while mainly catching screen passes in the slot when Joe Brady was the offensive coordinator.
As we move into this season, Brady is now the head coach and he will continue to call the plays. But he will look to offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. to dial up more passing plays while staying in 12-to-13 personnel and keeping the ground game in effect.
Also, Shakir should return to being a slot receiver, while Moore will most likely be Josh Allen's true No. 1 receiver, which he hasn't had since 2023.
Also, Brady and Carmichael will look to continue calling screen passes, which will benefit Shakir, as he will be able to keep racking up yards after the catch.
Based on the fact that the Bills may finally have a true No. 1 wideout in Moore, who's projected to lead the team with 899 yards on 69 receptions. He could finally become the first Bills receiver since 2023 to surpass 1,000 yards; this could encourage Bills fans to feel confident about the team's offensive toughness.
Look for Shakir and Moore to make a big dual presence for Allen in the passing game this season on the field.
Projected 2026 stats
Shakir's numbers are projected to increase this year to around 745-750 receiving yards on 66-72 catches and 4 touchdowns.
Shakir will make sure to continue soaking in as much information as he can from both Brady and Carmichael Jr., as Brady has had to help Carmichael Jr. get to know him better and understand how they plan to use him in this new, aggressive offensive scheme.
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