Buffalo Bills Khalil Shakir earns spot on NFL Writers’ All-Breakout Team

Khalil Shakir is expected to be a major part of the Bills’ offense, but to what extent remains the big unknown. We know the mini breakthrough we saw in the second half of last season, which carried over into the playoffs with ten receptions, 75 yards and two touchdowns in two games. He is in a prime position heading into the 2024 season, to become Josh Allen’s top target. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks views this as a golden opportunity for Shakir.

“The Stefon Diggs trade opened up the WR1 role in the passing game. Although the team drafted Keon Coleman with the 33rd overall pick to potentially fill the void, Shakir could take over as the primary receiver after a 2023 campaign that showed his potential as a big-play threat as a primary receiver (39 catches for 611 yards and two scores). With more opportunities in Joe Brady’s scheme, the third-year pro could break through. the 1,000 yard mark.

– Bucky Brooks – NFL.com

The quickest way to get involved in the Bills offense is to gain the trust of quarterback Josh Allen, and Shakir was able to do that last season. After a slow start to his 2023 season, Shakir’s snap count has increased week after week and, as a result, his target share has increased as well. With all the changes on the roster, Shakir became the only receiver to receive a regular season pass from Allen. He now appears to be the “veteran” of the wide receiver group and will be considered an important part of Buffalo’s passing attack.

Despite an apparent injury that ended his practice time during mandatory minicamp, concerns were put to rest when it was reported that he was back in practice with former Bills wide receiver Eric Moulds. I took a risk on our podcast and predicted a 100+ reception season for Shakr. He is more than capable of accomplishing that and becoming a star in this league.