The Bills are locking in Khalil Shakir to a long-term contract
The Buffalo Bills and wide receiver Khalil Shakir have finalized a four-year, $60.2 million deal, as reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Shakir’s contract includes $32 million in guaranteed money upon signing, with $18 million to be paid within the first year, according to Schefter.
This deal ensures the Bills secure a key receiver for quarterback Josh Allen over the next several years, locking Shakir in through the 2029 season. While Shakir isn’t the top receiver that Allen once had in Stefon Diggs, and the Bills won’t have that type of primary target in 2024, Shakir remains a valuable asset as a slot receiver.
Having played three seasons with the Bills, Shakir had his best season in 2024 in terms of volume, recording a career-high 76 receptions for 821 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 10.8 yards per catch, per Pro Football Reference. However, his yards per reception dropped from 15.7 in 2023.
The Bills likely still hope to add another true No. 1 receiver. Last year, they tried to acquire Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns, and selecting Keon Coleman might be seen as another attempt, though Coleman’s role is mainly as a jump-ball target.
It’s uncertain how much the Bills will spend in free agency or if a No. 1 receiver will be available. Tee Higgins could fill that role, but the Cincinnati Bengals may franchise tag him, and the Bills’ financial flexibility to compete for him remains unclear. Given their late draft position, Buffalo may struggle to land a top-tier receiver, as they did last offseason.
Nonetheless, the Bills made a move to secure Shakir, a key player in their offense.
Ryan Bologna is a seasoned sports writer covering the NFL, MLB, and NCAA Basketball for ClutchPoints. He has a background in journalism and communication from UConn and has contributed to New York Sports Nation and the Greenwich Free Press.
