Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Khalil Shakir

Wednesday, February 19, 9:48 PM

ESPN's Courtney Cronin writes that it's more likely that the Chicago Bears let both wide receiver Keenan Allen and offensive guard Teven Jenkins walk in free agency this offseason. Allen and Jenkins are Chicago's top two free agents this year, but neither are candidates to be slapped with the franchise tag. Allen will turn 33 this year and has clearly declined, while Jenkins missed 23 games over four seasons due to injuries. Allen, a six-time Pro Bowler, predictably disappointed in his first and potentially only year in the Windy City with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggling in 2024. In 15 starts, he caught 70 of 121 targets for 744 receiving yards (his fewest in a season since 2016). However, he was money in the red zone with seven touchdowns for the second straight season. Allen developed chemistry with Williams, but he could have more bounce-back appeal in fantasy if he goes elsewhere in free agency.

Tuesday, February 25, 1:32 PM

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Buffalo Bills and wide receiver Khalil Shakir agreed to four-year contract extension on Tuesday that is worth up to $60.2 million, including $32 million guaranteed at signing with $18 million paid in the first 12 months. The new deal ties Shakir to Buffalo through the 2029 season. After the Bills traded Stefon Diggs away and let Gabe Davis walk in free agency last offseason, Shakir stepped up as Buffalo's No. 1 wideout to lead the team with 100 targets, 76 catches and 821 yards while scoring four touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (nine starts). The 25-year-old slot man also had six catches in each of the team's three playoff games. He's now locked in with the Bills for the foreseeable future and should continue to be quarterback Josh Allen's favorite weapon in the passing game with a solid floor for fantasy.