Fantasy football managers hoping for a significant change to Joshua Palmer’s dynasty outlook after he signed a three-year, $29 million contract with the Buffalo Bills may be left disappointed. The team’s deep group of wide receivers will make it tough to achieve a true breakout season in 2025.
That said, the former member of the Los Angeles Chargers does get the benefit of playing alongside MVP quarterback Josh Allen, which adds some upside to his long-term fantasy value.
Joshua Palmer Dynasty Outlook (2025 Fantasy Football)
Bills Star’s Current Production
Palmer endured an up-and-down four-year tenure with the Bolts. The 2021 third-round pick enjoyed his best season in 2022 when he tallied 72 catches for 769 yards. He didn’t reach 40 receptions in any other season with the Chargers, however, and he recorded just 10 touchdowns in 59 appearances.
On the positive side, the University of Tennessee product ranked inside the top 20 of qualified receivers in yards per reception each of the past two years. His ability to create separation against man coverage on intermediate and deep routes is something that’s been missing in the Bills offense.
Palmer’s play did drop off a bit in 2024, though. His 41 overall rating from ESPN Analytics was the lowest of his career. His lack of contributions after the catch was particularly concerning. So, the change of scenery may have come at the perfect time to spark a return to form.
Joshua Palmer Dynasty Price
Palmer is currently rated as the No. 237 overall player and the No. 82 wide receiver on the fantasy ranking website KeepTradeCut. His recent value (1-9999 scale) peaked at just over 2500 after he signed with the Bills, but has since faded back to a little over 2000.
Joshua Palmer Dynasty Outlook After Bills Signing
Palmer’s biggest hurdle to fantasy success is the Bills’ overcrowded pass-catching corps. Here’s a look at the other options at Allen’s disposal:
- Wide Receivers: Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel, Kaden Prather
- Tight Ends: Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes
Buffalo’s offense has operated with an “everybody eats” mentality since the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis last year. It worked well in 2024, and the front office’s pursuit of a true No. 1 wideout remains unresolved, so it’ll be more of the same in 2025.
In turn, it’ll likely be a situation where Palmer is more valuable in real life than in the fantasy realm. He’ll play an important role for Buffalo. Yet, in this case, that may only mean three or four targets a week, and his production will be highly variable from game to game.
An injury to Shakir is the only thing that could seriously shift Palmer’s outlook. The 25-year-old Canadian would likely take over as Allen’s top third-down target in the scenario. It would be a large enough increase in looks to make him a weekly fantasy starter.
Managers can’t make decisions based on possible future injuries, though. As a result, it’s best to remain cautious about a potential breakthrough season for the former Chargers star.
What To Do With Buffalo Wide Receiver in Dynasty Leagues
It’d be hard to argue against trading for Palmer at his current modest value. He’s a safe bet to finish as a top-80 wide receiver, even when factoring in the Bills’ high number of capable pass-catchers. The No. 82 wideout equates to a WR6 in a 12-team league. That’s a low bar to jump.
In addition, if an unexpectedly monster season is incoming, now will be the only chance to get him. He’ll go from an afterthought to unavailable in trade talks with a monster game in Week 1. That’s how quickly things can change when it comes to a receiver working with one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
Palmer is a low-risk, high-upside trade target with a decent floor. At worst, he’ll be a solid bye-week replacement who can be acquired without giving up any core roster pieces. At best, he’ll emerge as an every-week fantasy starter you could flip for a profit during a hot streak.
That said, act fast because his value may change rapidly once training camp gets underway.
