Josh Palmer: College, Number, Injury, Contract, Age and Playing Today
Josh Palmer is a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills who entered the 2026 NFL season looking to make a bigger impact after an injury-interrupted first year in Buffalo. Palmer has already made an early contribution this season, catching a touchdown from Josh Allen in the Bills’ Week 1 win over the Houston Texans.
With searches around Josh Palmer’s college, number, injury, contract, age and whether he is playing today, here is a current look at the Bills wide receiver.
Josh Palmer College
Josh Palmer played college football at the University of Tennessee. He spent four seasons with the Volunteers from 2017 through 2020 before entering the NFL Draft.
At Tennessee, Palmer developed into a reliable downfield receiving option. His size, speed and ability to make contested catches helped him attract NFL attention.
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Palmer in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 77th overall pick.
The Buffalo Bills list Tennessee as Palmer’s college on his official team profile.
What Number Is Josh Palmer?
Josh Palmer wears No. 5 for the Buffalo Bills.
He plays wide receiver and is listed at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds by the Bills. The NFL also lists Palmer as a No. 5 wide receiver for Buffalo.
Palmer previously wore No. 5 during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers.
How Old Is Josh Palmer?
Josh Palmer is 26 years old according to the Buffalo Bills’ current player profile. The NFL also lists him at age 26.
Some contract databases list him as 27 based on their age calculations, so readers may see both numbers depending on the source and date of reference. Over The Cap currently lists Palmer as 27.
Josh Palmer Contract
Palmer signed with the Buffalo Bills as a free agent in 2025 after spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Chargers.
His Bills contract is a three-year deal worth about $29 million, with significant guaranteed money. Over The Cap lists the contract at $30 million in its detailed contract accounting, while its contract notes identify the deal as three years and $29 million.
The contract includes:
- Three years
- Approximately $29 million in reported value
- $15 million fully guaranteed
- $8 million signing bonus
- Additional incentives
- A 2026 cap charge of approximately $11.75 million
Palmer’s contract made him an important part of Buffalo’s receiving plans, particularly after the team invested heavily in its passing game.
Josh Palmer Injury
Palmer dealt with knee and ankle injuries during the 2025 season, causing him to miss five regular-season games as well as the playoffs.
He entered the 2026 season healthy, according to the Bills, and was participating fully during training camp. The team said Palmer had recovered from the previous injuries and was working to rebuild his rhythm with quarterback Josh Allen.
There is currently no indication from the Bills’ Week 2 injury report that Palmer is dealing with a new injury. The Bills’ final injury report before their Week 2 game against Detroit listed Cole Bishop, Ty Johnson and T.J. Sanders as questionable, but Palmer was not included among the players with an injury designation.
Is Josh Palmer Playing Today?
As of September 18, 2026, the Buffalo Bills have already played their Week 2 game against the Detroit Lions.
Palmer was active for that game and made an impact, catching a 43-yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen during Buffalo’s 41-31 victory over Detroit.
The Bills had listed seven players as inactive for the Lions game, but Palmer was not among them.
Therefore, Palmer did play in the Bills’ most recent game and was not listed as inactive because of an injury.
2026 Stats
Palmer opened the 2026 season with a touchdown reception against Houston.
Through the Bills’ first game, he had:
| Statistic | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Games | 1 |
| Receptions | 1 |
| Receiving yards | 34 |
| Receiving average | 34.0 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Long reception | 34 yards |
The Bills’ official statistics subsequently show Palmer making another major contribution against Detroit, including a 43-yard touchdown reception.
NFL Career
Palmer began his NFL career with the Chargers after being drafted in 2021.
His best statistical season with Los Angeles came in 2022, when he recorded 72 receptions for 769 yards and three touchdowns. He followed that with 581 yards in 2023 and 584 yards in 2024.
His career numbers entering the 2026 season included 205 receptions for 2,624 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Josh Palmer Career Receiving Stats
| Season | Team | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Chargers | 33 | 353 | 4 |
| 2022 | Chargers | 72 | 769 | 3 |
| 2023 | Chargers | 38 | 581 | 2 |
| 2024 | Chargers | 39 | 584 | 1 |
| 2025 | Bills | 22 | 303 | 0 |
| 2026 | Bills | 1+ | 34+ | 1+ |
The official Bills statistics show Palmer entering 2026 with 205 career receptions, 2,624 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns.
Josh Palmer in Buffalo
Palmer’s first season with Buffalo was disrupted by injuries. He appeared in 12 games in 2025 and finished with 22 catches for 303 yards.
The Bills were looking for a healthier and more productive Palmer in 2026. During training camp, the organization highlighted his improved health and his developing connection with Allen.
That connection has already produced significant plays early in the season.
In Week 1 against Houston, Allen found Palmer for the decisive 34-yard touchdown with 1:36 remaining in Buffalo’s 36-31 victory.
A week later against Detroit, Palmer again found the end zone on a long touchdown reception.
Josh Palmer Role in the Bills Offense
Palmer is part of a Buffalo receiving group that also includes players such as DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir.
His ability to stretch the field gives Allen another option on deeper routes. Palmer’s 2026 performances have shown that Buffalo is willing to use him in situations where his speed and route-running can create explosive plays.
His role could also become increasingly important depending on the health and availability of other Buffalo receivers.
What Happened to Josh Palmer in 2025?
Palmer’s 2025 season did not go as planned after signing with Buffalo.
He missed time because of knee and ankle injuries and ultimately played 12 games. He finished with 22 receptions for 303 yards and no touchdowns.
The injuries also limited his opportunity to establish consistent chemistry with Allen during his first year in Buffalo.
The Bills entered 2026 expecting a healthier Palmer to have a greater role.
Josh Palmer: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Joshua Palmer |
| Position | Wide receiver |
| Team | Buffalo Bills |
| Number | No. 5 |
| College | Tennessee |
| Height | 6-foot-1 |
| Weight | 210 pounds |
| Age | 26 on Bills profile |
| NFL Draft | 2021 |
| Draft round | Round 3 |
| Pick | No. 77 |
| Previous team | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Current contract | Three years, approximately $29 million |
| 2026 status | Active Bills WR |
Conclusion
Josh Palmer enters the 2026 season as an important wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills. He played college football at Tennessee, wears No. 5 and signed a significant contract with Buffalo in 2025.
After dealing with knee and ankle injuries last season, Palmer entered 2026 healthy and has already produced explosive plays. He caught a late touchdown against Houston in Week 1 and added another long touchdown against Detroit in Week 2.
His health, contract and role in Buffalo’s passing attack will remain important storylines as the 2026 season continues.
FAQs
What college did Josh Palmer go to?
Josh Palmer played college football at the University of Tennessee.
What number is Josh Palmer?
Josh Palmer wears No. 5 for the Buffalo Bills.
How old is Josh Palmer?
The Buffalo Bills currently list Palmer at 26 years old.
What is Josh Palmer’s contract?
Palmer signed a three-year contract with Buffalo worth approximately $29 million, with substantial guaranteed money.
Is Josh Palmer injured?
Palmer dealt with knee and ankle injuries in 2025, but he entered the 2026 season healthy. He was not listed with an injury designation on Buffalo’s Week 2 final injury report.
Is Josh Palmer playing today?
As of September 18, 2026, Palmer already played in Buffalo’s Week 2 game against Detroit. He caught a 43-yard touchdown in the Bills’ 41-31 victory.
Where does Josh Palmer play?
Josh Palmer is a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills. He previously played for the Los Angeles Chargers.
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