The Buffalo Bills wasted no time making waves in this year’s free agency by reeling in wide receiver Joshua Palmer with a three-year, $36 million contract, including $18 million guaranteed. After four productive seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Palmer finds himself closer to home, coming from Toronto – just a stone’s throw away from Buffalo.
Teaming up with league MVP Josh Allen, Palmer’s addition comes at a crucial time for the Bills, particularly after losing Mack Hollins to the New England Patriots and with Amari Cooper still unsigned. It’s clear the Bills needed a fresh weapon for an already dynamic offense.
Buffalo’s receiving corps struggled with separation last season, a skill Palmer brings in spades. Yet, Palmer isn’t expected to jump in as the top target right away.
Instead, he steps into an offense that thrives on contributions from every angle, thanks to the “everybody eats” philosophy under offensive coordinator Joe Brady. For Palmer, it’s about playing his part in ensuring the passing game keeps its edge moving into 2025.
Though Palmer only teamed up with Jim Harbaugh for a single year in LA, the impact was undeniable. Harbaugh sang his praises, commending Palmer as “highly productive” and “able to make the play.”
Beyond stats, Harbaugh applauded him as an “all-around player” and a “great teammate,” sentiments echoed by Bills beat reporter Sal Capaccio. These qualities are precisely why the Bills went after him as their first out-of-house acquisition.
Landing in Buffalo, Palmer enters the prime of his career on a confident note, joining a win-now team with Josh Allen at the helm. Transitioning from bomb-thrower Justin Herbert to the versatile Allen, Palmer remains in a perfect setup to showcase his talents. The combination of Allen’s arm and Brady’s innovative offensive schemes positions Palmer for some electrifying football.
Harbaugh’s endorsement speaks volumes about the value Palmer brings to the locker room and the field. He’s projected not just as a playmaker, but as a linchpin in Buffalo’s pursuit of greater glory, highlighting the strategic prowess of the Bills’ first major signing in free agency.