The Las Vegas Raiders are building positive momentum this offseason.
With a new head coach in Klint Kubiak and a new quarterback in Fernando Mendoza, the franchise has reason for optimism. Star edge rusher Maxx Crosby remains with the team after months of trade rumors. However, the wide receiver room is a glaring weakness—arguably the worst in the league.
If the season started today, Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Jalen Nailor would lead the receiving corps. That’s not an inspiring group, and for Mendoza to reach his full potential, he needs better weapons.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently suggested the Raiders should trade for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer. Palmer signed a three-year deal with the Bills before the 2025 season, but his debut was marred by injuries. He played in only 12 games, catching 22 passes for 303 yards and no touchdowns. As a result, the Bills might be willing to move on, and the Raiders could hope Palmer rediscovers his previous form in a new setting.
Knox explained: “Palmer had a few bright moments in the Bills’ offense last season, but he wasn’t the dependable complementary receiver he had been for the Los Angeles Chargers. He produced a career-low 303 receiving yards, though he was limited to 12 games. The 26-year-old battled an ankle injury for much of the season and was eventually placed on injured reserve. A.J. Brown and Brandon Aiyuk may both have to be dealt before Palmer draws considerable interest, but he’ll be a solid option for receiver-needy teams once the dust settles.”
As Knox noted, Palmer showed flashes but likely didn’t meet Buffalo’s expectations. The Bills also added veteran D.J. Moore this offseason, making Palmer expendable. While A.J. Brown and Brandon Aiyuk are bigger names, Palmer would likely be cheaper and carry less baggage.
Despite a down year in 2025, Palmer has been reliable in the past. In 2022 with the Chargers, he caught a career-high 72 passes for 769 yards and three touchdowns. He then recorded at least 580 yards in both 2023 and 2024, showing consistency outside of last season.
In Las Vegas, Palmer could become the clear No. 1 receiving option. It would be his best chance to prove he can be a top receiver in the league while giving Mendoza another dependable veteran target.
