It looks like the Buffalo Bills will head into the 2025 season once again without a definitive No. 1 wide receiver for Josh Allen.
Despite the offense performing well under the league MVP, the receiving group was a focal point for the Bills during the offseason. In response, Buffalo added free agents Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore. While neither brings elite-level talent, both are expected to contribute in a continued “receiver-by-committee” setup similar to last year.
Though the Bills succeeded in adding new faces to the wide receiver room, the moves haven’t been widely praised.
In fact, some have harshly criticized the signings, labeling them among the worst of the offseason.
Seth Trachtman of Yardbarker named the Palmer signing as Buffalo’s most puzzling decision.
“The Bills needed to bolster their support for Josh Allen, but it’s unclear if Palmer fits that bill,” Trachtman wrote. “The speedy wideout has struggled with consistency during his four years with the Chargers, surpassing 600 receiving yards just once. A three-year, $36 million deal is a steep price for such an uncertain addition.”
Palmer, who has spent his entire career with the Chargers, has seen a steady drop in touchdown production since his rookie year in 2021 when he scored four. Last season, he managed just one touchdown on 39 receptions.
In Buffalo, he’s expected to take on a bigger role, benefiting from more opportunities and a higher level of quarterback play.
Palmer enters this new chapter with a strong mindset focused on impact.
“I run every route to win. If the ball doesn’t come my way, that’s fine. If it does, even better—because I know I’m helping someone else get open too,” Palmer shared during an appearance on One Bills Live. “If the motto is ‘everybody eats,’ then a well-run route that draws coverage helps the whole unit succeed.”
If Palmer can evolve into a dependable target for Allen, the skepticism from Bills fans and critics alike may quickly fade.