During the 2024 free agency period, the Buffalo Bills saw the departure of two essential wide receivers, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, both of whom played pivotal roles in elevating Josh Allen to elite NFL quarterback status. Despite losing these key players and not acquiring any high-profile wideouts, Allen maintained his elite performance by throwing 28 touchdown passes and compiling a total of 40 touchdowns, earning the NFL MVP award. Heading into the 2025 season, Josh Allen WR1 2025 season status is claimed by Khalil Shakir as the team looks to replicate that success.
This shift in the Bills’ receiving corps is largely influenced by Allen’s new contract extension, a six-year deal worth $330 million with $250 million guaranteed—the highest guaranteed sum in NFL history. This commitment limits the team’s financial ability to sign a top-tier wide receiver, increasing the importance of internal talent development.
Khalil Shakir’s Role and Potential as Buffalo’s Primary Target
Khalil Shakir is stepping up as the Bills’ main offensive threat at receiver, despite not yet surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in any NFL season. In 2024, he led the team in receptions, showing a reliable presence for Allen. Joe Brady, the Bills’ offensive coordinator, addressed the concept of a “number one receiver,” noting the rarity of clear-cut star wideouts across teams.
What is a number one receiver? Is it the style of defense? Is it production? Is it how they’re used? There aren’t many, quote-unquote, true, no-doubt number one receivers in the NFL,
said Joe Brady, the Bills’ offensive coordinator.
Just because a player isn’t a number one on one team doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be on another. But I think Khalil fully embodies the attitude of ‘whatever I have to do, I’ll do it.’
Brady’s comments emphasize Shakir’s versatility and willingness to fulfill whatever role is necessary, highlighting the adaptability that could make him an effective WR1 despite not fitting the traditional mold of a star receiver.
Team Prospects and the Path to a Super Bowl Championship
If Shakir continues his upward trajectory and fellow receiver Keon Coleman delivers a strong sophomore season, the Bills’ receiving options combined with Allen’s elite quarterbacking should provide sufficient firepower to mount a serious Super Bowl challenge. The Buffalo Bills have made the championship their clear objective for the 2025 season, setting high expectations for their evolving roster. Anything less than a title run is likely to be viewed as falling short of the team’s goals.