Retired Bills’ fan favorite analyzes new WR’s preseason debut vs. Giants

Josh Palmer had a former Buffalo wide receiver chiming in on his showing in Saturday’s preseason action

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Josh Palmer. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It may not have been a lengthy debut for Josh Palmer, but he caught the eyes of one former Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver in the process.

The newly-acquired WR had a solid performance in the Bills’ preseason loss to the New York Giants on Saturday. In just 14 snaps, Palmer tallied two catches for 21 yards, including a 12-yard reception that netted a Buffalo first down.

The former Chargers receiver’s release on the route got the attention of Stevie Johnson. The retired Bills’ wideout was a strong route runner in his own right, besting the likes of Richard Sherman and Darrelle Revis in his prime.

RELATED: 4 Bills' roster newcomers who showed serious potential during Preseason Week 1

So, when he credits a receiver for their ability to run routes, one should listen.

use this release on 90% of your routes…

I’m watching 5 this season. #Bills

*tip for more space:
after the release look at db & go at him lil more.. while gaining depth (don’t commit too much @ db) then stir step jab, you’ll know when. Prep 2 b physical pic.twitter.com/OLcGiykXyR

— 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖 Styles (@StevieJohnson13) August 11, 2025

”Use this release on 90% of your routes. I’m watching 5 this season,” said Johnson in an X post about Palmer, who is back in jersey number No. 5 this season. “After the release, look at [the] DB, go at him lil more, while gaining depth (don’t commit too much [at the] DB), then stir step jab, you’ll know when.”

Johnson followed that post up with another explaining just how Palmer was able to vary the look of his route to get open.

”So, he’s running to a spot but what I see is variations of this movement in the middle of the field, pushing up field to the 12-15/18 [yard] range, and look at his burst to get across field,” Johnson said.

This is a crosser - so he’s running to a spot but what I see is variations of this movement in the middle of the field, pushing up field to the 12-15/18 range, and look at his burst to get across field—-if we need to do the simple crosser (with that release to throw off db) 🫡

— 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖 Styles (@StevieJohnson13) August 11, 2025

That ability to create separation and manipulate defenders is only amplified by the work that was shown on Episode 1 of "Hard Knocks." Palmer is clearly looking to make an impact as he catches passes from reigning league MVP Josh Allen.

It was an encouraging start for Palmer in his debut in Buffalo. And just like Johnson, we’ll be watching to see what No. 5 can do out wide for the Bills this season.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and wide receiver Josh Palmer (5). | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI  —

More Buffalo Bills News:

• Bills' undrafted WR credits 'trust' for strong play in preseason opener
  

• Josh Allen names his unofficial defensive MVP from Bills' training camp

• Bills' head coach gets testy when pressed on James Cook contract situation

• All-Pro RB's new extension could be model for Bills' James Cook to follow

• 5 Buffalo Bills' training camp observations: under-the-radar WRs showing out