The Buffalo Bills haven't added many new names yet in free agency but the first new name joining the team is wide receiver Josh Palmer, who the organization signed to a three-year deal worth $36 million ($18 million guaranteed). This ensures that Josh Allen has a shiny new target to throw to and that should make everyone in Bills Mafia quite happy.
Palmer was a third-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 NFL Draft after playing his college ball at Tennessee. He had a career-high in touchdowns as a rookie with four and had his career-high in receptions and yards during the 2022 season, his second in the NFL, grabbing 72 catches for 769 yards.
Palmer had 39 receptions for 584 yards and one touchdown in 15 games and seven starts for the Chargers last year. It's worth noting that the Chargers became more of a run-first team under Jim Harbaugh last season so the lack of touchdowns shouldn't scare Bills fans necessarily.
What grade do the Bills deserve for signing Josh Palmer?
The Bills extended Khalil Shakir earlier this offseason but Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins are still unsigned, so bringing Palmer in makes sense for this team. Josh Allen proved in 2024 that he can win without top-tier receivers, putting together his best season yet and winning the league MVP award for his efforts.
Palmer fits the mold for what Buffalo is looking for with its receivers. The team wants a receiver who is good but doesn't necessarily need to spend the money on a top-tier option because, quite frankly, Allen doesn't need one. He makes guys better and last year was proof of that.
With all of that said, this is a solid signing for the Bills. They added a talented young wide receiver to pair with one of the best quarterbacks in the league and should be set up to continue tearing through the AFC East and hopefully the entire NFL.
For that reason, this signing gets an A-.