Bills' Khalil Shakir Credits Josh Allen For Contract Extension

Buffalo Bills receiver Khalil Shakir entered the 2024 season as the only receiver on the roster who had caught a pass from Josh Allen in live NFL action.

With the franchise moving on from Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, Shakir was tasked with stepping up, and boy, did he. Shakir led the Bills in yards (821), receptions (76), and targets (100) while finishing second in touchdowns (four) to be the leading guy for Allen.

Such was his season, the franchise rewarded Shakir with a four-year, $60.2 million extension this offseason, and fresh off signing his new deal, Khalil made sure to thank the one player on the roster who played a key role in his success - Allen.

“He called me not too long after it [the contract] was put out there,” Shakir said of Allen. “He was just super excited, and I'm super thankful for him, made sure that I just let him know that I wouldn't be where I'm at without him and him putting his trust in me and just our communication with each other. My success so far has been from him. 

"So for him to be able to trust me and then to be out there and play with him, I truly believe he's the best athlete I ever been around, so I'm grateful to continue to play with him.”

With Allen and Shakir's chemistry on show last season, the Bills will be looking for that to continue in 2025 as the franchise looks to break through that playoff glass ceiling.

While Shakir has proven his worth, Buffalo still needs to invest in another receiver this offseason. Whether that be via free agency or the draft, Allen needs another consistent weapon not named Shakir.

Khalil's future has been sorted out early. So now he can attack the offseason and be ready for the beginning of training camp as he looks to take his game up another level in 2025.

And having No. 17 as your quarterback certainly helps.