NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported, citing informed sources familiar with the deal, that former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn is set to join the New England Patriots. The financial details and length of the contract are currently not available.
Osborn Displays Great Potential
Osborn moves to New England after spending his initial four NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. The fast WR was a 2-star recruit out of high school and played four seasons at the University of Buffalo before transferring to Miami. He was selected in the 5th round during the 2020 NFL draft. In his senior year at Miami, Osborn led the Hurricanes with 50 catches for 547 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was also the team’s primary kickoff and punt returner. Although his first year as a professional player saw limited playing time, Osborn has gradually become a dependable receiver, showing his long-range abilities within Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system. Over the past three seasons with the Vikings, Osborn has put together an impressive stat line, accumulating 158 receptions, 1,845 yards, and 15 touchdowns, with an average of 11.7 yards per reception.
During his first season, Osborn’s contributions were mainly on special teams, as the primary kickoff returner for the team and occasionally handling punt return duties. Meanwhile, he also played a core role in special teams coverage. However, his second year marked a significant change as Osborn emerged as an important part of Minnesota’s offensive lineup. He recorded 50 receptions for 655 yards receiving and 7 touchdowns. These numbers would have positioned him as a leader in receptions for the 2023 New England Patriots while also ranking second in receiving yards and touchdown receptions.
Osborn has shown his increasing impact on the field with an average of 53 receptions, 615 yards, and five touchdowns over the past three seasons. He is an excellent depth piece that will challenge the rest of the Patriots’ WR room while offering options in both kick and punt return roles.
Where Does This Leave the Patriots WR Room?
Osborn becomes part of the Patriots’ wide receiver unit and joins a roster with nine players contracted for the 2024 season. Alongside Osborn, notable names in the Patriots’ receiving corps include
Kendrick Bourne DeMario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, , Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, Jalen Reagor, T.J. Luther, and Kawaan Baker, with Osborn reuniting with former teammate Reagor from their time in Minnesota.With an eye on the upcoming training camp, New England is expected to further bolster its receiving corps as part of the ongoing offensive revamp. Notable recent acquisitions, including quarterback
Jacoby Brissett , running backAntonio Gibson , and tight endAustin Hooper , underscore the Patriots’ commitment to reshaping their offensive arsenal for the upcoming season. Many expect New England to continue adding offensive weapons via the 2024 NFL draft.New Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will have many options when designing the 2024 offensive playbook. As Osborn starts a new phase with the Patriots, his joining brings new skill and depth to the team’s receiving group, preparing for an interesting upcoming season as New England aims for success in the AFC East and beyond.
The New England Patriots are still increasing their offensive depth by agreeing to sign former Vikings WR K.J. Osborn.
