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Major NFL trade is great news for former Tennessee Vols standout

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated 3/17/24

A major NFL trade that went down last week is the source of some great news for a former Tennessee Vols standout.

Last week, the Los Angeles Chargers traded six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears.

The trade of Allen to the Bears came a day after the Chargers released wide receiver Mike Williams, a former Clemson Tigers standout who was selected by Los Angeles in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

With Allen and Williams no longer in Los Angeles, it solidifies former Vols wide receiver Josh Palmer's status as a top option for the Chargers.

Palmer is now at the top of the Chargers' depth chart along with wide receiver Quentin Johnston, a first round pick by Los Angeles in 2023.

Former Vol Josh Palmer with the 50 yard TD pic.twitter.com/t4nl6HnNOd
— zach ragan (@zachtnt) November 21, 2022

Palmer, a third round pick by the Chargers in 2021, dealt with a knee sprain last season which limited him to 11 games. As a result, his production obviously slipped a bit (38 receptions for 581 yards and two touchdowns...solid but not spectacular).

In 2022, however, Palmer played 16 games and caught 72 passes for 769 yards and three touchdowns.

Palmer could be in line for a massive breakout season in 2024 with Allen and Williams no longer in the picture. Plus, the Chargers' offense should be more prolific in 2024 with Jim Harbaugh taking over as the franchise's head coach.

The Chargers will probably draft a wide receiver in April (they need some depth), but Palmer will enter the season as one of the team's top two wide receiver options. It's a huge opportunity for the former Vol. And it's an opportunity that could lead to a big contract for Palmer, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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