The Minnesota Vikings had an eventful offseason, as numerous longtime players hit the exit. Danielle Hunter departed after almost a decade of outstanding play on the left side of the defensive line. Quarterback Kirk Cousins bolted to Atlanta. Both went to four Pro Bowls in their careers.
Patriots Waive Ex-Vikings Playmaker
The Vikes also lost some depth talent from the 2020 draft class. D.J. Wonnum signed with the Panthers, and the Patriots hired K.J. Osborn. The Patriots have already said goodbye to the receiver.
On Tuesday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X: “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.”
Osborn’s journey in Minnesota was fascinating. He didn’t play a single offensive snap in his debut season, as fellow rookie wideout Justin Jefferson obviously stole the show. The rookie returned kicks, though, and might not have been the best man for that job.
Minnesota’s GM Rick Spielman invested in the next draft to bring specialist Kene Nwangwu to the Twin Cities, and folks wondered whether that would land Osborn on the chopping block. He was listed outside of numerous 53-man projections.
In training camp, however, he became the surprise breakout star, and not only did he earn a spot on the 53-man roster, but he also clinched the WR3 role next to Jefferson and Adam Thielen. His highlight in 2021 certainly was the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Sam Darnold Panthers.
Another memorable game was the comeback win over the Colts. His team needed a spark, and Osborn made some big plays. He finished the day with ten grabs for 157 yards and a touchdown.
His numbers remained relatively consistent throughout the 2023 season. He caught 50, 60, and 48 passes for 655, 650, and 540 yards. In a Vikings uniform, Osborn collected 158 receptions for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Patriots desperately needed receiver help in the offseason. Their top guys are Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, and Kayshon Boutte, which sounds like a horrendous room for a rookie QB to have success and develop into a better passer, so they acquired the ex-Viking, signing him to a four-year contract worth $4 million.
Osborn barely played. He appeared in seven games (four starts) and caught seven passes for 57 yards and one touchdown, but he hasn’t seen the field in a month, which is concerning for his future outlook.
The receiver has already eclipsed the expectations of a fifth-rounder in his career, and most likely, someone will give him a deal to close out the 2024 season, and then, most likely, he will be available in free agency.
Osborn is 27 years old. He can sign with any team once he clears waivers.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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