Analysts believe that the $36 million free agent signing is an ideal match for Josh Allen.
Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane secured a free-agent receiver in an action that has received significant acclaim from Bills media.
Josh Allen steered a Buffalo Bills offense that set franchise records last season, averaging 30.9 points per game, which ranked second in the NFL, earning Allen his first MVP award. Nonetheless, the demands were unmistakable from both the media and Bills Mafia, declaring Buffalo’s necessity for an impact player at the wide receiver spot. At least according to those who cover the team closely, the objective has been achieved with the acquisition of former Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer.
Palmer offers a skill set that Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense critically required last season, especially his talent for getting open from defenders. The Bills were certainly expecting to discover that in Amari Cooper when they acquired him mid-season, but it evidently didn’t work out since Cooper faltered, especially in the playoffs, where he recorded only six receptions for 41 yards and no touchdowns.
Palmer, at only 25 years old and in his fifth season in the league, is that guy. Although not an outright speedster with a respectable 4.51 40-yard dash time, Palmer is certainly challenging to defend against. As Locked On Bills podcaster Joe Marino noted, “…Palmer placed No. 5 in route win rate versus man coverage and No. 10 against zone.” — figures supported by other analysts regarding the merit of the Bills acquisition.
It appears that Cooper probably won’t be in Buffalo in 2025, and one-year sensation Mack Hollins has joined the New England Patriots, leaving second-year player Keon Coleman as the only outside receiving option. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 210 lbs., Palmer can create separation in both the slot and outside positions — this flexibility will enable Coleman to transition to the Z receiver role, where he feels more at ease, potentially helping the 33rd pick in the 2024 draft meet expectations
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