The Patriots are boosting their receiver lineup in a significant way.
A reliable source has confirmed that the Patriots are bringing on board veteran receiver K.J. Osborn. ESPN has shared that the agreement is for a one-year term. At 26 years old, Osborn has proven himself as an effective receiver during his time with the Minnesota Vikings, offering the Patriots a dependable option for the outside receiver position.
Osborn, selected in the fifth round of the 2020 draft, has shown consistent performance with an average of 615 receiving yards across the past three NFL seasons. Standing at 5-foot-11, he has effectively filled the role of a third receiver for the Vikings. In the previous season, he secured 48 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns. The year 2022 saw him achieve a personal best with 60 catches, 650 yards, and five touchdowns.
His most outstanding season was in 2021, catching 50 passes for a career-best of 655 yards and seven touchdowns.
Osborn is known for his adaptability, capable of playing both outside and in the slot. Last season’s stats from Pro Football Focus reveal he spent 556 snaps playing out wide and 262 snaps in the slot. Throughout his four-year NFL career, Osborn has successfully caught 64% of the passes thrown his way.
In his tenure with Minnesota, Osborn was the third-choice receiver. He played behind the All-Pro Justin Jefferson for the last three seasons and also behind Adam Thielen for two seasons, as well as Jordan Addison last year.
Osborn is also recognized for his excellent team spirit, both on and off the field. Last year, he was involved in a heroic act, helping to rescue a man from a burning car. His selflessness and commitment to blocking in both run and pass plays have been highly praised.
Jefferson, speaking to The Athletic in 2022, highlighted Osborn’s challenging role, noting his clutch performances despite not getting as many opportunities as he might like. Jefferson praised Osborn’s great team spirit.
Over the past three years, Osborn has amassed 1,845 total receiving yards, surpassing any current Patriots receiver’s total in the same period.
This acquisition provides the Patriots with a much-needed veteran pass-catching option. This offseason saw the team releasing DeVante Parker and making a strong but unsuccessful bid for former All-Pro Calvin Ridley, who ultimately signed with the Tennessee Titans.
The Patriots have re-signed Kendrick Bourne, who is recovering from a torn ACL, and welcomed back receiver/returner Jalen Reagor. The team’s roster also includes Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, T.J. Luther, and Kawaan Baker.
Additionally, the Patriots have brought in tight end Austin Hooper and running back Antonio Gibson, indicating their ongoing efforts to strengthen their offense.
The news of Osborn signing with the Patriots was first reported by the NFL Network.