The New Orleans Saints are entering a rebuild year, but the latest NFL rumors project the team could target Buffalo Bills veteran Josh Palmer before Week 1. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes the Saints may consider Palmer due to his ties with head coach Kellen Moore, who used to be with Chargers when he was there in 2023. Meanwhile, Palmer was already looking like a cut candidate this offseason. Buffalo decided to keep WR Keon Coleman for at least one more season, so this means that the team is focusing on him, Khalil Shakir and recently acquired DJ Moore.
New Orleans took Jordyn Tyson in the first-round selection this year, who shows a lot of promise, but that can only go so far in the big leagues. With Chris Olave returning from a season-ending injury last year, the Saints adding the former third-round pick could provide some much-needed. However, a trade for the veteran sounds outrageous. Shouldn’t the Saints wait until the former Chargers receiver is a free agent?
While New Orleans could use the insurance policy in the aerial attack, they’re not trading for a low-stakes veteran. Last year, the receiver finished with 22 catches for 303 yards and no touchdowns.
NFL Rumors: Saints, Bills May Connect in Massive $36M Gem Trade
New Orleans Willing to Wait
Even if it’s just a late-round pick, the Saints aren’t trading their draft capital for a veteran who brought in no touchdowns last season. There are better options via free agency, including Deebo Samuel, Keenan Allen and Stefon Diggs. New Orleans would be foolish to pull this off, but that also leaves the question of what type of market Palmer has if he’s released. He might be suited in Buffalo for another two years, but don’t be surprised if he’s struggling this upcoming campaign.
Here are three teams that might be waiting to give him one more opportunity on a one-year deal.
Potential Free Agent Fits
Dallas Cowboys
After franchise tagging George Pickens this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys also signed WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling for additional depth behind him, Ryan Flournoy and CeeDee Lamb. The chances of Valdes-Scantling doing something is slim. Dallas could take a chance on Palmer depending on their situation. Flournoy is set to break out, but there’s no guarantee, especially with how Jalen Tolbert turned out.
This doesn’t mean that Lamb and Pickens will get reduced reps, but when you have an aging QB like Dak Prescott, it’s sensible to put as many playmakers as possible. The Bills receiver won’t get more than 500 yards in one season anymore, but he’d streamline this unit.
Kansas City Chiefs
Speaking of streamlining the WR corps, the Kansas City Chiefs are likely in the position of being a team that needs one more wideout before Week 1. The team is wary of extending Rashee Rice, which means his starting job is in jeopardy. Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Royals will get the majority of the workload as Rice slowly moves in. Palmer could join the fun as QB Patrick Mahomes is always looking for another experienced playmaker, so why not?
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens have one of the most inconsistent WR groups behind Zay Flowers. While they figure out a new contract for their WR1, they should shift their focus to adding one more pass-catcher to help Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker and 2026 draft selection Ja’Kobi Lane. There are better options, but Palmer is a cost-controlled receiver that might be a hidden gem.
With Lamar Jackson’s capabilities, he could turn the current Bills receiver from the odd man out to gold come Week 1 if he becomes available.
