The K.J. Osborn Era is officially over in New England, as the rebuilding Patriots cut the veteran in what was reported as a “mutual decision.” Signed to help provide some stability to a young and untested group of wide receivers, Osborn’s tenure in New England was a forgettable one, as he finished his Patriots career with just seven receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown in seven games. Largely overlooked thanks to the emergence of young receivers like DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, Osborn hopes to earn a larger opportunity on his next team.
Patriots are waiving WR K.J. Osborn, per source. It was a mutual decision, and he now will have a chance to catch on to a team where he will be able play more. pic.twitter.com/kQhrnAnHt0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 10, 2024
While he’s never been a superstar, K.J. Osborn’s track record suggests he could succeed in the right environment. A fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Osborn overcame his unremarkable draft capital to establish himself as a decent threat in the Minnesota Vikings passing attack. Recording over 1,800 yards from 2021 to 2023, some team will take a chance on Osborn down the stretch, with the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints as the most likely destinations.
Chiefs, Saints Could Sign K.J. Osborn After Unceremonious Cut
Despite their impressive 12-1 record, the Kansas City Chiefs do not look like their usual dominant selves. Following their last-second win over the Los Angeles Chargers, the team is now a ridiculous 10-0 in one-score games, their record a product of good fortune that can’t possibly last throughout the season. Head coach Andy Reid and General Manager Brett Veach know there’s work to be done, as the team recently added offensive tackle D.J. Humphries and cornerback Steven Nelson as free agents. These two will help down the stretch, but there’s still room for another late addition to the roster.
The DeAndre Hopkins trade has been a massive success, as the former All-Pro immediately developed a rapport with Patrick Mahomes. However, Hopkins isn’t getting any younger, and he can’t carry the entire weight of a passing offense on his shoulders. Ditto for future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce, as the tight end is clearly slowing down and doesn’t move like he used to. Perhaps the anticipated return of Marquise Brown can add some life to this passing attack, but it can’t hurt to kick the tires on K.J. Osborn and see what the recently cut veteran can bring to the table.
Finding Healthy Bodies
Unlike the Chiefs, the New Orleans Saints do not have any playoff hopes in 2024. However, that won’t stop them from trying to win games down the stretch. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi wants to prove what he can do with this roster, and Osborn could fix a major weakness on this team. The Saints battled an absurd amount of injuries thus far, losing quarterback Derek Carr, wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, and do-everything weapon Taysom Hill.
Rizzi has yet to announce a starting quarterback, but both Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener will struggle to produce in this environment. Stuck behind a poor offensive line with no real offensive weapons, New Orleans will struggle to move the ball. K.J. Osborn won’t make anyone forget about Olave and Shaheed, but the cut veteran has a set of working hands. With no real target competition, Osborn could use the final few games in New Orleans to re-establish his value and earn a job for the upcoming season.
Main Photo: Brian Fluharty – USA Today Sports
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