Buffalo Bills’ biggest offseason signing criticized in ESPN team grades

ESPN graded the Buffalo Bills' offseason with a B-plus, placing them in the NFL's top third. However, analyst Seth Walder criticized the team's wide receiver group as a lingering weakness. While praising the Bills for securing core players like quarterback Josh Allen and wideout Khalil Shakir, Walder specifically questioned their biggest free-agent signing: Josh Palmer.

Walder called Palmer's three-year, $29 million deal his "least favorite move," labeling the former Charger "an uninspiring choice." He cited Palmer's 1.6 yards per route run last season despite playing with quarterback Justin Herbert. Palmer, 25, recorded 39 receptions for 584 yards and one touchdown in 15 games last season and is expected to compete for a starting role alongside Shakir and second-year receiver Keon Coleman.

Walder argued that the concern about the receiver position is valid, especially as the Bills are Super Bowl contenders but are essentially capped out financially for 2025 and 2026. He stated it wasn't wrong to critique the Bills for not drafting a receiver in the first three rounds, meaning significant improvement is needed from Keon Coleman, their 2024 second-round pick.

ESPN did praise the Bills' internal investments and contract extensions. Walder highlighted deals for Josh Allen, Khalil Shakir, Greg Rousseau, Christian Benford, and Terrel Bernard. Shakir's extension, averaging $13.25 million per year, was specifically called a "bargain" compared to contracts for receivers like Dyami Brown ($10 million/year with Jaguars) and Tutu Atwell ($10 million/year with Rams). Shakir outperformed both combined in 2024 and is seen as crucial to the offense.

The Bills also added veterans to their defensive line, including Joey Bosa, Michael Hoecht, and Larry Ogunjobi. However, Walder noted these additions carry questions regarding health or availability, particularly as Hoecht is suspended and Ogunjobi has dealt with injuries.