New England Patriots Make Another Intriguing WR Move

The New England Patriots have claimed wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals, adding another body to an already crowded receiver group just as training camp intensifies.

The move was announced on Tuesday and came one day after the Cardinals released the 2024 sixth-round pick. To open a roster spot, New England parted ways with rookie tight end Jeremiah Franklin, who had only recently signed with the team.

Palmer, listed at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, brings a bigger frame than many of the smaller receivers currently competing for the final spots on the Patriots’ depth chart.

The Cardinals selected him 191st overall out of UAB two years ago. He spent most of his first two professional seasons on the practice squad before earning a late promotion. His only regular-season appearance came in the 2025 finale against the Los Angeles Rams, where he saw limited offensive and special-teams snaps but recorded no receptions.

Arizona waived him on Aug. 3 while adding other players, and the Patriots quickly put in a successful claim.

What makes Palmer intriguing is the production he showed in college. In 2023 he hauled in 47 passes for 858 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 18.3 yards per catch to lead the American Athletic Conference. That performance earned him third-team all-conference recognition and included four 100-yard games.

Over three seasons at UAB, he finished with 83 receptions for 1,409 yards and nine scores. Pre-draft evaluators liked his size, reliable hands, ability to adjust to the ball in the air, and willingness to block, though they flagged concerns about his separation quickness in tight spaces.

The Patriots’ wide receiver room already looks deep on paper. A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs figure to anchor the group after the team’s significant offseason investments at the position.

Behind them sit Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and DeMario Douglas, giving New England several established options before the competition even reaches the developmental players. Team projections heading into camp suggested roughly seven receivers would battle for five or six roster spots.

Palmer arrives after practices have already started, so his window to make an impression is short. His best path may lie in special-teams contributions and strong showings during the preseason, where he previously caught three passes for 18 yards across three games with Arizona.

Franklin’s brief tenure ends with the transaction. The former Boston College tight end had signed on July 24 after a solid college career that included 93 receptions for 1,010 yards and six touchdowns across 41 games.

For Palmer, the claim represents a fresh opportunity to turn physical tools and a productive college résumé into a lasting role. Whether he can carve out a place on the final roster will be decided over the remaining weeks of camp.