Key facts
- Patriots claimed WR Tejhaun Palmer off waivers on Tuesday, one day after Arizona waived him on Monday
- In a corresponding move, New England released rookie TE Jeremiah Franklin
- Palmer, 26, was a sixth-round pick by Arizona in 2024 out of UAB; spent most of two seasons on the practice squad before an active-roster move on Jan. 3
- Palmer appeared in Arizona’s regular-season finale before being waived
- Franklin, 22, signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent from Boston College on July 24, after totaling 93 catches for 1,010 yards and six touchdowns in 41 college games
The move
The New England Patriots claimed wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer off waivers on Tuesday, according to the team’s announcement. Palmer had been waived by the Arizona Cardinals a day earlier, on Monday. In a corresponding roster move, New England released rookie tight end Jeremiah Franklin.
Who is Tejhaun Palmer
Palmer, 26, came into the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick of the Cardinals in 2024 out of UAB. He spent most of his first two pro seasons on Arizona’s practice squad before being elevated to the active roster on Jan. 3. He appeared in Arizona’s regular-season finale, which is the extent of his NFL game action reported so far. He was photographed going through pregame warmups for Arizona in an August 9 preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Who is Jeremiah Franklin
Franklin, 22, had signed with the Patriots as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Boston College on July 24. Over four seasons at Boston College, he played in 41 games and caught 93 passes for 1,010 yards and six touchdowns. His release opened the roster spot used to add Palmer.
What it means for New England’s roster
The swap adds a young, largely unproven receiver with limited regular-season experience to New England’s wideout depth while subtracting a tight end who had only just joined the club as a college free agent two weeks earlier. There is no additional information in the available reports on practice squad assignments, injury designations, or how Palmer will be used within the Patriots’ offense.
Sources
Featured photo: Whoisjohngalt via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)