Khalil Shakir's breakout season in 2024 has led to major reward.
The Buffalo Bills and the third-year wide receiver have agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension worth up to $60.2 million, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday, per sources. Rapoport and Pelissero add that Shakir will receive $32 million guaranteed upon signing.
The Bills have since announced the extension through the 2029 season.
"You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone -- fans, players -- anyone in our building to say anything negative about Khalil and what he's brought," Bills general manager Brandon Beane said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "The guy is a true lunch pail Buffalonian. I mean, I know he's not from Buffalo but he doesn't say anything, he just shows up everyday. He's Mr. Dependable, and when the ball comes his way he usually comes down with it."
Shakir stepped up in his first year as Josh Allen's No. 1 target, a role he assumed following the exit of Stefon Diggs. The 25-year-old tallied career highs with 76 receptions for 821 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games played. Shakir's consistency throughout the regular season bled into the playoffs, producing six receptions in each of Buffalo's three playoff games for an average of 58 yards per outing.
Shakir's precise route-running and sure hands were relied upon by Allen in key situations as nearly half of his receptions (35) resulted in first downs. The speedy wideout's ability to find open space was also a factor as Shakir produced a good majority of his receiving yards after the catch (597).
The Bills recognized Shakir will only grow in his newfound role as Allen's go-to target, and rewarded him with a secure home for seasons to come. It's certainly an endearing success story for the former fifth-round pick, but there remains work to be done for Buffalo in its WR room with Mack Hollins and Amari Cooper entering free agency.
