Former Tennessee receiver could be a high priority target in NFL free agency
Former Tennessee wide receiver Josh Palmer is set to enter NFL free agency for the first time in his career. After four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Palmer is looking for a raise after his initial 4 year, $5 million contract.
The third-round draft pick of the 2021 NFL Draft is being named a “sleeper” free agent during the 2025 free agency cycle, indicating that he could be a valuable asset to several NFL teams interested in adding a wide receiver to their roster.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes there is plenty of interest in Palmer from around the league, which could lead to a bidding war for Palmer. “He’s a buzz-worthy name among some teams as a sleeper receiver,” Fowler wrote.
In his four seasons in Los Angeles, Palmer has recorded 182 receptions for 2,287 yards and ten touchdowns.
While he hasn’t put up WR1 numbers in his first four years, Palmer brings a reliability factor to any offense, which is seen as a valuable asset for many NFL offenses.
Based on Pro Football Focus projections, Palmer will not be a popular option in the upcoming free agency cycle. He is ranked as the 101st free agent with a projected contract valued at $13 million over two years.
According to Erik Turner, Palmer’s deceptive route running separates him from corners down the field. It is a valuable tool he uses to get open and create enough room to bring in contested passes.
.@ErikJTurner loves watching receivers like Josh Palmer. He uses route running deception to uncover at the top of routes. Makes routes look the same, & adds some sauce at the top to separate. He can get into his route vs Press or vs Off. Watch the different ways he runs In/Outs. pic.twitter.com/RyJp55PPLF
— The Film Room (@Cover1FilmRoom) February 21, 2025
In 2022, Palmer caught all eight contested passes thrown his way throughout the season and was the only receiver in the NFL to finish the year with a 100% contested catch rate, according to Fantasy Data.
The 2025 free agency cycle opens March 12 at 4 PM ET, with the negotiating period beginning on March 10. Teams will spend the next few weeks negotiating with free agents to build their rosters ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
