The New England Patriots made a bold attempt to sign a top-tier wide receiver during free agency last spring but came up short.
They missed out on Calvin Ridley and ended up with K.J. Osborn, a move that has failed to deliver results.
With Drake Maye now leading the offense, the Patriots cannot afford another misstep in free agency. While big names like Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin should be primary targets, the team would also benefit from exploring budget-friendly options to bolster their receiving corps.
One such option worth pursuing is Los Angeles Chargers receiver Joshua Palmer. Although Palmer has been somewhat underwhelming in Los Angeles, he showed promise in 2022 with 72 receptions, 769 yards, and three touchdowns.
Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just 10 games last season, and in 2024, he has managed 20 catches for 365 yards and a touchdown so far.
Palmer’s big-play potential is evident, as he’s averaging 18.3 yards per catch this season and posted 15.3 yards per reception in 2023. However, with the emergence of Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and tight end Will Dissly in the Chargers’ offense, Palmer has taken a backseat.
Despite this, Palmer’s size (6’1″, 210 pounds) and reliable hands make him a strong candidate to become a dependable target for Maye.
If the Patriots manage to sign a top-tier receiver like Higgins, adding Palmer as a complementary option could significantly improve their wide receiver depth. The current lack of talent at the position makes acquiring Palmer, alongside a No. 1 target, a potential game-changer for Maye and the offense.
