The Saints added wide receiver Palmer off waivers on Wednesday, a move that reunites him with the NFC South after his time in Tampa Bay.
Palmer, a 2023 sixth-round pick, had a busy rookie season with 385 yards on 68 targets but slid down the Buccaneers’ depth chart last year, finishing with just 22 targets. New Orleans further bolsters the position after also trading for Devaughn Vele last week, creating a deeper group behind clear starters Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
Despite the new depth, the Saints’ Week 1 outlook isn’t crystal clear. New Orleans will start Spencer Rattler at quarterback in Week 1 against Arizona, a factor that could limit Palmer’s immediate involvement. Still, the move gives the Saints more options and flexibility in the WR room, which has dealt with injuries at times.
Logical take and outlook:
– Palmer’s addition adds youth and depth to a room led by Olave and Shaheed, with Vele as another complementary piece.
– His best path to a meaningful role likely comes as a depth option and when the offense builds confidence in him, rather than as a Week 1 high-volume target.
– The Saints’ broader challenge remains the QB situation, which could temper early production but also creates opportunity for Palmer if the offense stabilizes over time.
Summary:
The Saints’ waiver claim of Palmer adds a new dynamic to a recently upgraded receiver corps. While Week 1 usage is uncertain due to the quarterback situation, Palmer presents a potential depth contributor as New Orleans navigates injuries and rotations behind Olave and Shaheed.
Positive note:
If Palmer can carve out a niche as a reliable depth option and show progress in camp, he could evolve into a steady part of the Saints’ passing game as the season unfolds.