Joshua Palmer

Palmer carries an $11.85M cap hit in 2026 after a disappointing first Bills season (22 rec, 303 yds before ankle/knee IR). He is widely cited as a potential cap casualty; a release would destroy his dynasty value immediately.

Palmer sits behind Khalil Shakir in the pecking order and competes with Keon Coleman, Tyrell Shavers, and Brandin Cooks. With only 22 receptions in 12 games (1.8 per game), he's clearly the WR4/5 in this offense.

Palmer missed 5 games during 2025 regular season with knee/ankle injuries and ended the season on IR, continuing a three-year pattern of missing 10 games total due to injury. His durability is a major concern at age 26.

The Bills' trade for D.J. Moore from Chicago — not yet reflected in the structured teammate data — is the single biggest development here. Moore immediately slots as WR2 behind Shakir, eliminating Palmer's only viable path to volume and rendering his 3yr/$36M contract a cap liability.

Keon Coleman's roster status is listed as uncertain and he is a reported trade candidate. His departure would open the outside WR3 role and a meaningful target share boost for Palmer if he survives the roster.

If Buffalo experiences WR injuries or trades a veteran pass-catcher, Palmer could see meaningful volume increase as a capable reserve option.

Buffalo may move on from Curtis Samuel and is expected to add a starting WR this offseason, but Palmer's injury history and high cap hit make it unclear if he'll benefit. Any turnover could open opportunities if he stays healthy.

Any injury to Shakir or DJ Moore in a Josh Allen-led offense immediately vaults Palmer into WR2 volume. Allen's elite QB value makes any starter-level role on this offense fantasy-relevant.

Josh Allen's elite volume means any injury to Moore or Coleman cascades meaningful opportunity downward. If Palmer survives the 53-man, he is one injury away from 6-8 targets per week in a top-3 NFL offense.