Josh Palmer named an under-the-radar player in 2024

Charger wide receiver Josh Palmer has been named one of the 50 under-the-radar players that CBS Sports believes will play a role in shaping the 2024 NFL season. That sure seems like a lot of players to include on a list like this, but when every team likely has one or two that could majorly swing their season, it adds up fast.

After several years of playing third fiddle behind both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, it’s now Palmer’s turn to lead a room that’s ripe with youth and potential. While some may think that Quentin Johnston or Ladd McConkey may be more important to the Chargers’ 2024 season, it’s Palmer who stands as the lone player who has both experience playing in this league and with this specific team.

“Justin Herbert needs someone to throw to. Rookie Ladd McConkey is probably already on the radar, and Quentin Johnston’s rough rookie year leaves him on the outside looking in,” says author Zachary Pereles. “That leaves Palmer, who has shown flashes through three years but has mostly been behind Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler in the passing game pecking order. Palmer had a pair of 100-yard games last year, and his 9.5 yards per target led the team.”

Palmer has largely come through when he’s been needed. Whenever Allen or Williams has come up hurt, Palmer fills in admirably. He has a handful of 100-yard outings to his name and when he’s been the number one guy any given week, he has produced like it to the best of his ability.

I like Palmer as this pivotal player to the Chargers’ offense because it’s much more likely that the pass game will still be as important as ever given that the run game has been so horrendous, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that it starts slow this season before gaining momentum. Palmer will likely be relied upon early to help move the offense in critical moments. If McConkey doesn’t hit the ground running, or if Johnston still looks like his rookie form, Palmer’s impact will be felt even more.

In 2023, Palmer finished with 38 receptions for 581 yards and two touchdowns. His yardage and receptions totals are the second most in his three-year career while his pair of scores are a low mark for him. This year, Palmer has an opportunity to push for his first 1,000-yard season and show he’s the guy for the Chargers going forward. If he has another season like the 2023 campaign, I’m actually not so sure how long he stays in powder blue. He’s been a great find for a third-rounder, but the Chargers simply need more right now and he’ll have to put it all out there this season to make sure he can make their decision easier when that time comes.