The Buffalo Bills made their first splash in free agency signing wide receiver Joshua Palmer to a three-year, $36 million contract with $18 million guaranteed.
Palmer, 25, was one of our four free-agent targets for the Bills and joins the team after spending the past four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. Now a member of the Bills, here is what fans need to know about the wide receiver.
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Immediately becomes the team’s best receiver in separation
Palmer may not be a burner (4.51 40-yard dash), but he creates separation with his route running.
Last season, Palmer finished 17th in separation score and 12th in route win rate. Buffalo lacks receivers who can create separation so Palmer immediately jumps to the top of their ranks in that category.
The route running and ability to create separation check two big boxes for the Bills.
Originally a third-round pick
The Chargers selected Palmer in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft after a four-year career in Tennessee. Palmer hauled in 99 passes for 1,514 yards and seven touchdowns during his time with the Volunteers. Almost 70 percent of his receptions went for a first down in college, but inconsistent QB play limited his production.
After a week of strong practices, Palmer saw his stock rise at the Senior Bowl.
Where’s the production?
Palmer has not had a breakout season in the NFL to date. His best season came in 2022 when he hauled in 72 passes for 769 yards and three touchdowns, but he’s finished with just under 600 yards receiving in each of the past two seasons.
Why hasn’t Palmer taken off? One reason could be the Chargers’ merry-go-round at offensive coordinator. Palmer has had three different offensive coordinators in four seasons.
That will now jump to four in five seasons as he joins Joe Brady’s offense in Buffalo.
Not far from home
Palmer is originally from Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The receiver will now be less than two hours away from his hometown as a member of the Bills.