Reports from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport indicate that while the Patriots have retained several of their own receivers this offseason, they are poised to bring in an external addition for the position. ESPN’s Mike Reiss confirms that K.J. Osborn has reached an agreement with New England, which will span one year.
Addressing the receiver position seemed to be a focal point for New England in free agency, given their offensive struggles in 2023. Before this development, the Patriots had re-signed Kendrick Bourne to a three-year contract valued at up to $33 million and extended Jalen Reagor, who played a lesser role in the team’s offense last season. Calvin Ridley was also a target for the Patriots before he opted for a lucrative deal with the Titans, leaving New England in need of alternative options at wide receiver. Osborn emerged as one of the top available choices, having demonstrated his reliability as a complementary receiver during his tenure with the Vikings.
Although Osborn was limited to nine games in his rookie season without any targets, he has steadily increased his offensive involvement in subsequent years, serving as a secondary option alongside Justin Jefferson. Osborn’s reception numbers ranged from 50 to 60 catches between 2021 and 2023, accumulating between 540 and 655 yards during that period. Additionally, he has recorded 15 touchdowns throughout his career.
With the Vikings solidifying their pass-catching unit with the likes of T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison, alongside Jefferson, Osborn opted to pursue a larger role with New England. The departure of key players such as DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki in free agency opens up opportunities for new pass-catchers in the Patriots’ offense in the upcoming season.
Osborn’s versatility, having played both in the slot and on the perimeter, makes him a valuable addition to New England’s revamped offense. While the upcoming draft presents another opportunity for the Patriots to bolster their offensive arsenal, Osborn is expected to play a significant role regardless, especially with the anticipation of a new quarterback joining the team with the third overall pick.
