The Buffalo Bills have secured a financial boost, as wide receiver Joshua Palmer agreed to a pay cut, saving the team $4 million in cap space for the 2025 season, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move underscores Palmer’s commitment to the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.
Palmer, who joined the Bills in March with a three-year, $36 million deal, saw his cap hit drop from $10.5 million to $6.5 million. The 27-year-old, entering his fifth NFL season, aims to prove his worth after a modest 2024 with the Chargers, where he recorded 614 yards.
“I’m here, ready to explode,” Palmer told The Buffalo News’ Ryan O’Halloran. “I believe in this team’s vision.”
The decision comes as the Bills manage a tight $12.6 million cap, navigating James Cook’s $15 million contract dispute. Brandon Beane, known for savvy cap management, now has room to pursue a veteran cornerback or bolster the roster for a playoff push.
Palmer’s 2024 stats—40 receptions and three touchdowns—fell short of expectations for a $10.5 million cap hit. Yet, his speed (4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and route-running make him a potential WR2 alongside Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman in Joe Brady’s “Everybody Eats” offense.
The Bills, with Josh Allen’s 4,306-yard MVP season, are banking on Palmer to elevate their passing game. His pay cut could pave the way for additions like Jonathan Jones, a cornerback linked to Buffalo at $5 million, to fortify a secondary that struggled last year.
“He’s all in,” said NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks. “Palmer’s ready to prove he’s worth every penny.”
With a “stacked” home schedule against the Chiefs and Ravens, the Bills aim to leverage Palmer’s resurgence. As they chase the AFC’s top seed, his sacrifice might just spark the explosion he’s promised.