The LA Chargers missed out on the best big-name wide receivers available and now have to definitively replace an outbound free agent. Former third-round pick Joshua Palmer has agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.
Palmer's departure was expected as the former Tennessee Volunteer did not have the breakout season fans were expecting in 2024. Without Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Palmer had a real chance to announce himself as a true top-tier weapon. Ladd McConkey made that announcement instead.
Palmer now finds himself on a Bills team with one of the few quarterbacks in the league who deservingly ranks ahead of Justin Herbert. Palmer may never be a true go-to option, but the depth chart in Buffalo is fluid and could improve Palmer's value in the long-term.
Chargers lose Joshua Palmer in free agency to the Bills
The Chargers needed a wideout regardless of Palmer's decision and this only cements that the team needs external help. With Palmer's departure, the only wideout options the Bolts have with legitimate NFL experience are McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis.
The other options on the roster are either young players who didn't play (Brenden Rice) or special teams players who should never be higher than WR5 on the depth chart (Simi Fehoko).
With all the big-name wide receivers off the board, the best options remaining for the Chargers are Keenan Allen and Cooper Kupp. Allen would likely come at a cheaper price considering his desire to play in LA and him not really having any other options.
Reuniting with Allen would give Herbert two weapons he is extremely comfortable with, so that route is probably better for the Chargers.
The best part of Palmer signing with the Bills is how it may net the Chargers a draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As it stands right now, Palmer's deal with the Bills will net the Chargers a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That can change based on Palmer's snap count, any accolades he wins, and as more contracts trickle in.
Overall, Palmer's four-year tenure with the Chargers ends in disappointment. There were real expectations for him after he was selected in the third round that he never quite lived up to. While he was not bad, he just never took that extra step the Chargers desperately needed.
Palmer finishes his Chargers career with 182 receptions for 2,287 yards and 10 touchdowns in four seasons.