The [Buffalo Bills](https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/) are reportedly planning to sign former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Josh Palmer when the league year begins on Wednesday.
Multiple reports say that the Bills and Palmer have agreed on a three-year contract worth $36 million. NFL.com‘s Ian Rapoport said the deal comes with $18 million in guaranteed money.
Palmer is one of the intriguing names in a wide receiver free agent class without a lot of acclaim. The Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on receiver Tee Higgins, who was expected to be the top prize at the position this offseason. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported on Monday morning that the Bills planned to make a run at Higgins if he became a free agent.
Palmer played four seasons with the Chargers and took some time to find his place in an offense that’s been led by three different offensive coordinators in that time. Palmer’s ability to get separation in his route is what likely drew the Bills' interest. His best season came in 2022 when he caught 72 passes for 769 yards and three touchdowns.
The Chargers drafted Palmer in the third round of the 2021 draft out of Tennessee. He played 65% of the snaps for the Chargers last season in an offense led by Justin Herbert. Palmer will add a different flavor of receiver for the Bills, who ranked among the worst teams in the league last season in receiver separation per route run. [Palmer’s separation score](https://x.com/RyanJ_Heath/status/1894038700230660175) ranked among the top 10 wide receivers in the NFL in 2024.
The Bills needed to address the receiver position with veterans Mack Hollins and Amari Cooper set to test free agency. Buffalo gave slot receiver Khalil Shakir a four-year contract extension last week. Palmer joins Shakir, veteran Curtis Samuel, and second-year receiver Keon Coleman in Buffalo’s receivers room.