Bills Central

Bills' QB Josh Allen's top target among most underrated NFL WRs

Josh Allen throws the ball in the Buffalo Bills offense to one of the most overlooked wide receivers in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen celebrates with fans after his touchdown pass.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen celebrates with fans after his touchdown pass. | Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir is entering his fourth season in the NFL, and he hopes to burst onto the scene after signing a lucrative contract extension this spring.

Shakir has the potential to be one of the best wideouts in the league as reigning MVP Josh Allen throws to him, but he isn't regarded as such quite yet.

Bleacher Report writer Alex Kay believes Shakir is the third-most underrated wide receiver in the NFL.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

"What Shakir lacks in athleticism and build is more than made up for in his relentless motor, dialed-in focus and intense competitiveness. He’s been unafraid to attack the teeth of the defense at full speed and takes advantage of his low center of gravity to make quick cuts and create windows for Allen to squeeze the ball in," Kay wrote.

"One of the most underrated parts of Shakir’s game is his ability to put up huge yardage after the catch. Opposing defenses have trouble bringing Shakir down once he possesses the ball, evident by his hefty 597 yards after the catch in 2024—the second-best mark amongst receivers behind Ja’Marr Chase last year.

"Shakir should only get better with another offseason to prepare as the reigning MVP’s favorite weapon. Expect Shakir to finally slip the underrated label and break out as one of the NFL’s stars with his best effort yet in 2025."

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The only players higher on Kay's list were Minnesota Vikings wideout Jordan Addison and San Francisco 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings.

Shakir could be seen as a player on the rise for the Bills, but now that he has his second contract, expectations are higher.

If Shakir can take that next step this season, it could be what the Bills need to get back to the Super Bowl and hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in franchise history.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.