Fans of the Buffalo Bills were aware of Khalil Shakir’s talent as the 2024 season began, but they might have underestimated just how exceptional he has become. The term ‘good’ might not fully capture his abilities, as the 24-year-old has proven to be nearly infallible in route running, consistently making himself available to quarterback Josh Allen and securing catches.
During his Wednesday media session, Bills head coach Sean McDermott highlighted what sets Shakir apart, emphasizing how his growth mindset contributes to him being one of the NFL’s most dependable receivers. “He really embraces a daily growth mindset of ‘I want to get better. Here’s what I’m focusing on. This is my level of preparation, ensuring I do my part,’” McDermott noted. “He takes great pride in that, and we’ve seen him evolve over the years, not trying to be anyone else but simply the best version of himself.”
Currently, Shakir leads the NFL with an impressive catch percentage of 94.7%, having successfully caught 36 out of 38 targets this season. He is also the top receiver on the team in both receptions and yards, amassing 421 yards and scoring two touchdowns. As the 2023 season concluded, he became Allen’s most reliable target, catching all 12 of his targets in the last three games, earning him the record for consecutive catches in a regular season earlier this year.
The start of the 2024 season raised numerous questions about the Bills’ wide receiver corps following the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Rookie Keon Coleman and Shakir quickly emerged as key targets, and the Bills recently acquired Amari Cooper to bolster the lineup. Despite Cooper’s addition, Buffalo plans to maintain its strategy of distributing the ball among various players on offense.
While Shakir leads the team in receptions, both Coleman and tight end Dalton Kincaid have also topped 300 receiving yards this season, showing that the Bills’ ‘everyone eats’ strategy is working. Shakir’s reliability for nearly guaranteed catches boosts Allen’s confidence, ultimately enhancing Buffalo’s offensive efficiency.
