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San Francisco Chronicle
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
Reflected in his choice of car and play, Shakir prefers reliability over style as Bills top receiver
PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — Khalil Shakir's rise to the top of the Buffalo Bills receiver pecking order is similar to the approach he took to buying his first car. Both revolve around reliability for the fourth-year player who catches seemingly nearly every pass thrown his way, welcomes the opportunity to block downfield to open space for teammates, and refuses to get caught up in the trappings of the NFL spotlight by instead driving a plain white 2021 Subaru. 'Never been a car guy and realized that I needed a car. So I told my financial advisors, and they were like expecting me to say something crazy,' Shakir said, recalling his search for a car to get him to Buffalo after being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft out of Boise State. 'I told them, just something good in the snow, and something to get me from Point A to Point B.' Shakir has taken a similar workmanlike path in making the jump from bit player to Josh Allen's most trusted playmaker. And it led to the 25-year-old being rewarded in February by signing a four-year, $60.2 million contract extension. What Shakir lacks in flash he makes up with selflessness in symbolizing Buffalo's so-called 'everybody eats' share-the-wealth offensive philosophy. 'The guy is a true lunch-pail Buffalonian,' general manager Brandon Beane said. 'He doesn't say anything. He just shows up every single day. He's Mr. Dependable.' Undervalued production Shakir's production last season wasn't exactly eye-popping. His Bills-leading 76 catches ranked 27th among NFL players, and 821 yards ranked 40th, while he scored just four touchdowns. What stands out is Shakir leading the league in catching 79% of passes thrown in his direction since 2023. And coach Sean McDermott noted how Shakir's value was measured by his absence because of an ankle injury sustained in the opening half of a 35-10 loss at Baltimore in Week 4 last season. Shakir then missed the following week's 23-20 loss at Houston in which Allen threw three straight incompletions from the Buffalo 3 on the Bills final possession, allowing the Texans to win on Ka'imi Fairbairn's 59-yard field goal as time expired. 'He's one of the main guys that can drive our football team to another level,' McDermott said. Joe Brady's influence Shakir's ascension coincided with Joe Brady's promotion to offensive coordinator after Ken Dorsey was fired 10 games into the 2023 season. Brady placed an emphasis on a more balanced approach by adding more runs and getting more receivers involved in the passing attack. In Brady's play-calling debut, Shakir had three catches for what still stands as a career-best 115 yards, including an 81-yard TD. Buffalo's offensive production didn't skip a beat in finishing second in points scored last season despite Stefon Diggs being traded to Houston. 'I have nothing but love for Joe," Shakir said. "I've always said, my career took off once Joe took over. He was somebody who just believed in me every single day.' The affection is mutual for Brady, who credits Shakir for being just as eager doing the grunt work — blocking and running routes to clear space for others to get open — as he is making catches. 'He makes my life so much easier,' Brady said. 'Khalil just embodies the 'It doesn't matter what I have to do, I'm doing to do it.'' Though the Bills have upgraded their receiver group with the offseason additions of Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore, Shakir's role isn't expected to diminish. It was evident in practice Tuesday when Allen threw an interception during third-and-long drills. On the next play, Allen bounced back by finding Shakir on a quick out in the backfield. 'He knows his playbook. He doesn't talk. He doesn't try to do too much. He just comes out and makes plays,' left tackle Dion Dawkins said, before noting Shakir's choice of cars. 'He's like more of a Ford, bro. He can just get in and it's going to turn on and it is going to go. And that's the beauty of it.' Keeping the Subaru Shakir has since purchased a new car, but won't reveal the make because of the attention the Subaru attracted. He'll only say the new car isn't fancy, while noting his old one is staying in the family. 'I'm never getting rid of that. Now I feel like it's a part of me,' Shakir said. 'I have a loving, beautiful wife, got two wonderful puppies and a baby girl on the way. I have an amazing team, an amazing quarterback, an amazing organization,' he added. 'I'm blessed. So for me, I don't need much.' ___
Fox Sports
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Reflected in his choice of car and play, Shakir prefers reliability over style as Bills top receiver
Associated Press PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — Khalil Shakir's rise to the top of the Buffalo Bills receiver pecking order is similar to the approach he took to buying his first car. Both revolve around reliability for the fourth-year player who catches seemingly nearly every pass thrown his way, welcomes the opportunity to block downfield to open space for teammates, and refuses to get caught up in the trappings of the NFL spotlight by instead driving a plain white 2021 Subaru. 'Never been a car guy and realized that I needed a car. So I told my financial advisors, and they were like expecting me to say something crazy,' Shakir said, recalling his search for a car to get him to Buffalo after being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft out of Boise State. 'I told them, just something good in the snow, and something to get me from Point A to Point B.' Shakir has taken a similar workmanlike path in making the jump from bit player to Josh Allen's most trusted playmaker. And it led to the 25-year-old being rewarded in February by signing a four-year, $60.2 million contract extension. What Shakir lacks in flash he makes up with selflessness in symbolizing Buffalo's so-called 'everybody eats' share-the-wealth offensive philosophy. 'The guy is a true lunch-pail Buffalonian,' general manager Brandon Beane said. 'He doesn't say anything. He just shows up every single day. He's Mr. Dependable.' Undervalued production Shakir's production last season wasn't exactly eye-popping. His Bills-leading 76 catches ranked 27th among NFL players, and 821 yards ranked 40th, while he scored just four touchdowns. What stands out is Shakir leading the league in catching 79% of passes thrown in his direction since 2023. And coach Sean McDermott noted how Shakir's value was measured by his absence because of an ankle injury sustained in the opening half of a 35-10 loss at Baltimore in Week 4 last season. Shakir then missed the following week's 23-20 loss at Houston in which Allen threw three straight incompletions from the Buffalo 3 on the Bills final possession, allowing the Texans to win on Ka'imi Fairbairn's 59-yard field goal as time expired. 'He's one of the main guys that can drive our football team to another level,' McDermott said. Joe Brady's influence Shakir's ascension coincided with Joe Brady's promotion to offensive coordinator after Ken Dorsey was fired 10 games into the 2023 season. Brady placed an emphasis on a more balanced approach by adding more runs and getting more receivers involved in the passing attack. In Brady's play-calling debut, Shakir had three catches for what still stands as a career-best 115 yards, including an 81-yard TD. Buffalo's offensive production didn't skip a beat in finishing second in points scored last season despite Stefon Diggs being traded to Houston. 'I have nothing but love for Joe," Shakir said. "I've always said, my career took off once Joe took over. He was somebody who just believed in me every single day.' The affection is mutual for Brady, who credits Shakir for being just as eager doing the grunt work — blocking and running routes to clear space for others to get open — as he is making catches. 'He makes my life so much easier,' Brady said. 'Khalil just embodies the 'It doesn't matter what I have to do, I'm doing to do it.'' Though the Bills have upgraded their receiver group with the offseason additions of Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore, Shakir's role isn't expected to diminish. It was evident in practice Tuesday when Allen threw an interception during third-and-long drills. On the next play, Allen bounced back by finding Shakir on a quick out in the backfield. 'He knows his playbook. He doesn't talk. He doesn't try to do too much. He just comes out and makes plays,' left tackle Dion Dawkins said, before noting Shakir's choice of cars. 'He's like more of a Ford, bro. He can just get in and it's going to turn on and it is going to go. And that's the beauty of it.' Keeping the Subaru Shakir has since purchased a new car, but won't reveal the make because of the attention the Subaru attracted. He'll only say the new car isn't fancy, while noting his old one is staying in the family. 'I'm never getting rid of that. Now I feel like it's a part of me,' Shakir said. 'I have a loving, beautiful wife, got two wonderful puppies and a baby girl on the way. I have an amazing team, an amazing quarterback, an amazing organization,' he added. 'I'm blessed. So for me, I don't need much.' ___ AP NFL: recommended Item 1 of 3
Winnipeg Free Press
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Winnipeg Free Press
Reflected in his choice of car and play, Shakir prefers reliability over style as Bills top receiver
PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — Khalil Shakir's rise to the top of the Buffalo Bills receiver pecking order is similar to the approach he took to buying his first car. Both revolve around reliability for the fourth-year player who catches seemingly nearly every pass thrown his way, welcomes the opportunity to block downfield to open space for teammates, and refuses to get caught up in the trappings of the NFL spotlight by instead driving a plain white 2021 Subaru. 'Never been a car guy and realized that I needed a car. So I told my financial advisors, and they were like expecting me to say something crazy,' Shakir said, recalling his search for a car to get him to Buffalo after being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft out of Boise State. 'I told them, just something good in the snow, and something to get me from Point A to Point B.' Shakir has taken a similar workmanlike path in making the jump from bit player to Josh Allen's most trusted playmaker. And it led to the 25-year-old being rewarded in February by signing a four-year, $60.2 million contract extension. What Shakir lacks in flash he makes up with selflessness in symbolizing Buffalo's so-called 'everybody eats' share-the-wealth offensive philosophy. 'The guy is a true lunch-pail Buffalonian,' general manager Brandon Beane said. 'He doesn't say anything. He just shows up every single day. He's Mr. Dependable.' Undervalued production Shakir's production last season wasn't exactly eye-popping. His Bills-leading 76 catches ranked 27th among NFL players, and 821 yards ranked 40th, while he scored just four touchdowns. What stands out is Shakir leading the league in catching 79% of passes thrown in his direction since 2023. And coach Sean McDermott noted how Shakir's value was measured by his absence because of an ankle injury sustained in the opening half of a 35-10 loss at Baltimore in Week 4 last season. Shakir then missed the following week's 23-20 loss at Houston in which Allen threw three straight incompletions from the Buffalo 3 on the Bills final possession, allowing the Texans to win on Ka'imi Fairbairn's 59-yard field goal as time expired. 'He's one of the main guys that can drive our football team to another level,' McDermott said. Joe Brady's influence Shakir's ascension coincided with Joe Brady's promotion to offensive coordinator after Ken Dorsey was fired 10 games into the 2023 season. Brady placed an emphasis on a more balanced approach by adding more runs and getting more receivers involved in the passing attack. In Brady's play-calling debut, Shakir had three catches for what still stands as a career-best 115 yards, including an 81-yard TD. Buffalo's offensive production didn't skip a beat in finishing second in points scored last season despite Stefon Diggs being traded to Houston. 'I have nothing but love for Joe,' Shakir said. 'I've always said, my career took off once Joe took over. He was somebody who just believed in me every single day.' The affection is mutual for Brady, who credits Shakir for being just as eager doing the grunt work — blocking and running routes to clear space for others to get open — as he is making catches. 'He makes my life so much easier,' Brady said. 'Khalil just embodies the 'It doesn't matter what I have to do, I'm doing to do it.'' Though the Bills have upgraded their receiver group with the offseason additions of Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore, Shakir's role isn't expected to diminish. It was evident in practice Tuesday when Allen threw an interception during third-and-long drills. On the next play, Allen bounced back by finding Shakir on a quick out in the backfield. 'He knows his playbook. He doesn't talk. He doesn't try to do too much. He just comes out and makes plays,' left tackle Dion Dawkins said, before noting Shakir's choice of cars. 'He's like more of a Ford, bro. He can just get in and it's going to turn on and it is going to go. And that's the beauty of it.' Keeping the Subaru Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Shakir has since purchased a new car, but won't reveal the make because of the attention the Subaru attracted. He'll only say the new car isn't fancy, while noting his old one is staying in the family. 'I'm never getting rid of that. Now I feel like it's a part of me,' Shakir said. 'I have a loving, beautiful wife, got two wonderful puppies and a baby girl on the way. I have an amazing team, an amazing quarterback, an amazing organization,' he added. 'I'm blessed. So for me, I don't need much.' ___ AP NFL:
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
PFF indicates Bills could lose OC Joe Brady next season
Five coordinators who could make waves during the 2025 season 👀 The Buffalo Bills have captured the AFC East division in five consecutive campaigns. The New York Jets are in rebuild mode. The Jets have catch-up to do before legitimately posing a threat to the Bills' recent division dominance. Continuity and personnel has helped establish the Bills as one of the league's most consistent performers. Any development that could potentially weaken the Bills would help the Jets. Pro Football Focus is projecting that Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady could get a head coaching job next offseason. "During the last head-coaching cycle, he [Joe Brady] interviewed with the Bears, Saints and Jaguars — and for good reason," Trevor Sikkema wrote. "Since taking over as Buffalo's playcaller after Ken Dorsey's firing in mid-November 2023, the Bills have posted the NFL's highest EPA per pass (0.228) and the second-highest EPA per rush (0.089). With Josh Allen locked in, an intact offensive line and a potentially upgraded receiver room, Brady's offense is primed to keep rolling, and his stock as a future head coach has never been higher." Bills quarterback Josh Allen reached new heights under Brady's expert play-calling last season, capturing his first MVP honor. Brady once coached Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase at LSU to greatness, going undefeated and winning a National Championship. After a lackluster stint under Matt Rhule with the Carolina Panthers, he's rehabilitating his reputation in Buffalo. The Jets wouldn't mind if Coach Brady exited the division next offseason.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bills Sign New Addition To Give Offense 'Exactly What It Lacked'
Bills Sign New Addition To Give Offense 'Exactly What It Lacked' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Buffalo Bills' receiver room will be fascinating to watch this upcoming season, with Josh Allen and coordinator Joe Brady aiming to repeat their efforts from a year ago. Advertisement Out are Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins, and in comes Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore to complement the weapons already on the roster. When it comes to Palmer, a solid contributor in his four years with the Los Angeles Chargers, posting at least 500 receiving yards in his last three seasons, he is expected to bring another element to the offense. And The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia thinks Palmer will bring Brady's unit exactly what it missed last season. 'Palmer is exactly what the Bills lacked in their offense last year," Buscaglia wrote. "He's a route-running technician specializing in separation and has enough speed to push down the field for deeper targets. His ability to separate could also translate into more production than people currently expect from him.' Advertisement Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (5) runs the ball against the Denver Broncos.© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The speed and deep threat that Palmer provides will be something Allen and Brady will no doubt be looking to utilize, with Khalil Shakir in the slot and Keon Coleman on the outside but still finding his feet. With the "everybody eats" mantra pushing this offseason forward, Palmer and his ability to consistently separate from defenders and get downfield, Allen might have his deep ball back. And that is a scary thought for defenses. Of course, we are projecting here, but there's no doubt Palmer will see his fair share of targets in Brady's system and will almost definitely have more than 39 receptions (he didn't have more in each of the last two seasons) with Allen throwing him the ball. Advertisement Many think the Bills need another weapon for Allen if Buffalo is to truly contend, but Palmer might give the offense exactly what it needs to take things to the next level. Related: Bills Caution James Cook To Not 'Get Caught Off-Guard' Amid Contract Dispute Related: Bills' Young Wideout Labeled 'Best Building Block' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
