3 Chargers on Thin Ice Following the NFL Draft
By Cem Yolbulan
Josh Palmer, WR
Another offensive weapon who the fans expect to have a larger role in next season is talented wideout Joshua Palmer. After long-term Chargers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen found new homes in free agency, Palmer had the inside track to becoming the WR1 for this team. He still does, but the former third-round pick has to show more in his fourth season in the NFL.
Palmer missed seven games due to a knee injury last season and finished with 581 yards on 38 catches and two touchdowns. His 15.3 yards per reception was certainly eye-popping, and he can always be a dangerous deep threat.
However, he hasn't established himself to be capable of being a WR1/2 on a good team. Entering his contract season, Palmer has to show more this season to justify a lucrative, long-term contract extension.
Plus, the Chargers drafted three wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft. They traded up for Ladd McConkey out of Georgia in the second round, selected Jerry Rice's son Brenden Rice in the seventh round, and finished out the draft by selecting Cornelius Johnson out of Michigan.
Despite some injury concerns, McConkey was considered a first-round prospect and he should start the season as the primary target for Justin Herbert. If any receiver out of the Quentin Johnston, Brenden Rice, or Derius Davis group pops, Palmer might find himself superfluous on this team.