Joshua Keith Palmer Bio
Joshua Keith Palmer is a Canadian professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. Born in Brampton, Ontario, on September 22, 1999, Palmer developed his athletic abilities across multiple sports before focusing on football. After an accomplished college career at the University of Tennessee, the Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Palmer spent four seasons with the Chargers before signing with the Buffalo Bills in March 2025. Throughout his professional career, he has demonstrated reliability as a receiving option, compiling over 2,500 career receiving yards and 10 touchdowns through his first five NFL seasons.
Early Life and Background
Palmer grew up in Brampton, Ontario, as the son of Keith and Alethia Palmer. He has two sisters, Lanisha and Keiana. During his early years in Canada, he attended St. Roch Catholic Secondary School, where he excelled in multiple sports. He played basketball and ran track while also competing in football as both a wide receiver and defensive back. His athletic versatility earned him recognition, including being named St. Roch’s junior athlete of the year in tenth grade.
While at St. Roch, Palmer helped his school win two junior varsity football titles in ninth and tenth grade. He also gained additional experience playing for the Burlington Stampeders of the Ontario Football Conference and the Brampton Bulldogs. His impressive performances at summer football camps in the United States attracted interest from several Division I college programs.
Path to Professional Football
Due to his growing reputation among American college programs, Palmer transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for his final two years of high school eligibility. Rated as a three-star recruit, he initially committed to Syracuse University during the summer before his senior year. He finished his senior season at St. Thomas Aquinas with 32 receptions for 506 yards and eight touchdowns, earning second-team Class 7A All-State honors.
After de-committing from Syracuse, Palmer ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Tennessee. He joined the Volunteers program and began his college career in 2017, setting the stage for his eventual path to the NFL.
Joshua Keith Palmer Career
College Career at Tennessee (2017–2020)
Palmer played in all 12 of the Volunteers’ games during his freshman season, catching nine passes for 98 yards. He developed steadily and became a starter during his sophomore year, when he finished with 23 receptions for 484 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for one score. His junior season saw him catch 34 passes for 457 yards and one touchdown.
His senior season was shortened to nine games due to COVID-19, but Palmer remained productive with 33 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns. His consistent college production demonstrated his reliability as a receiving target and helped establish his draft stock heading into the 2021 NFL Draft.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2021–2024)
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Palmer in the third round with the 77th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Though he was eligible for the CFL draft and ranked as the top Canadian prospect, he chose to pursue his NFL opportunity. He signed his four-year rookie contract with the Chargers on July 23, 2021. Palmer made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Washington Football Team, recording one catch for 17 yards.
His first career touchdown came in Week 8 on a 24-yard reception from quarterback Justin Herbert in a narrow 27-24 loss to the New England Patriots. Palmer appeared in all 17 games during his rookie season, starting five, and finished with 33 receptions for 353 yards and four touchdowns.
The 2022 season marked a breakout year for Palmer. In Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons, he recorded eight receptions for 106 yards in a 20-17 victory. Two weeks later against the Kansas City Chiefs, he matched that performance with eight catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-27 loss. He started 11 of 16 games that season, compiling 72 receptions for 769 yards and three touchdowns.
During the 2023 season, Palmer began the year third on the depth chart behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. His standout performance came in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he caught five passes for 133 yards in a 31-17 loss. A knee sprain suffered against the Chicago Bears in Week 8 eventually led to his placement on injured reserve on November 5, 2023. He returned in Week 14 with a four-catch, 113-yard performance that included a touchdown in a 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Palmer finished 2023 with 38 receptions for 581 yards and two touchdowns across ten games with six starts.
In his final season with the Chargers during 2024, Palmer recorded 39 receptions for 584 yards and one touchdown before becoming a free agent.
Buffalo Bills Era (2025–Present)
On March 13, 2025, Palmer signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. The move reunited him with a new team as he entered his fifth professional season. During the 2025 campaign, he dealt with injuries to his knee and ankle sustained during a Week 6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The injuries caused him to miss games intermittently throughout the season. He finished the year with 22 receptions for 303 yards and no touchdowns. The Bills placed him on injured reserve on January 10, 2026, ahead of their Wild Card playoff matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Playing Style and Strengths
Palmer has established himself as a reliable possession receiver with reliable hands and solid route-running ability. His 6-foot-1 frame allows him to compete for contested catches, while his quickness enables him to create separation against smaller defensive backs. His experience playing multiple sports during his youth contributed to his overall athleticism and body control, making him a versatile option in various offensive schemes.
Notable Performances and Milestones
Palmer’s most productive stretch came during the 2022 season when he recorded back-to-back 100-yard games against the Falcons and Chiefs. His 133-yard performance against Kansas City in 2023 showcased his ability to make big plays when given opportunities. His consistency across four seasons with the Chargers, appearing in 63 games and catching 204 passes, demonstrated his reliability as a professional receiver.
Joshua Keith Palmer Career Statistics
Through five NFL seasons, Palmer has established himself as a consistent receiving option at the professional level. He has appeared in 63 regular-season games with 45 starts, accumulating over 2,500 career receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns.
Los Angeles Chargers Highlights
During his four seasons with the Chargers from 2021 to 2024, Palmer appeared in 63 games and made 45 starts. He caught 182 passes for 2,287 yards and nine touchdowns across his Chargers tenure. His rookie season included four touchdown receptions, while his 2022 campaign featured his highest reception total of 72 catches.
Buffalo Bills Performance
In his first season with the Bills in 2025, Palmer recorded 22 receptions for 303 yards across the regular season. Despite the injuries that limited his availability, he demonstrated his ability to contribute as a complementary receiving option within the Bills offense.
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Los Angeles Chargers | 33 | 353 | 4 |
| 2022 | Los Angeles Chargers | 72 | 769 | 3 |
| 2023 | Los Angeles Chargers | 38 | 581 | 2 |
| 2024 | Los Angeles Chargers | 39 | 584 | 1 |
| 2025 | Buffalo Bills | 22 | 303 | 0 |
Family
Family Background
Palmer was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, by his parents Keith Palmer and Alethia Palmer. His family supported his athletic development from a young age, encouraging his participation in multiple sports including basketball, track, and football. His diverse athletic background helped him develop into a well-rounded football player.
Personal Life
Palmer maintains a strong connection to his Canadian roots while building his professional career in the United States. He is active on social media, where he shares updates about his football career and personal life with his followers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented challenges for Palmer as he navigated his first year with the Buffalo Bills. His knee and ankle injuries sustained in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons significantly impacted his availability throughout the campaign. The Bills offense featured several receiving options, and Palmer worked to establish his role within the system while managing his recovery.
Despite the injury setbacks, Palmer finished the regular season with 22 receptions for 303 yards. His lack of touchdowns reflected both his limited opportunities and the nature of his injury-affected season. The Bills ultimately qualified for the playoffs, but Palmer was placed on injured reserve on January 10, 2026, ahead of the Wild Card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, ending his season.
Looking ahead, Palmer will aim to enter the 2026 season healthy and establish himself as a more significant contributor within the Bills passing offense. His experience and reliability as a professional receiver provide a foundation for a productive bounce-back campaign with his new team.