The New England Patriots have signed another standout wide receiver and offensive weapon to bolster their rebuilt passing attack.
According to Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Patriots have signed former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated added that it’s a one-year deal for Osborn worth $4 million.
The Patriots have spent most of their money in free agency on the offensive side of the ball. They handed offensive lineman Mike Onwenu and Hunter Henry three-year extensions and also picked up old friend and quarterback Jacoby Brissett, ex-Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson and veteran tight end Austin Hooper.
Also Read: REPORT: New England Patriots Reveal Their Plans At Wide Receiver After Losing Out On Calvin Ridley
Osborn, who turns 27 years of age in June, was a reliable No. 3 and 4 receiving option for the Vikings during his four-year tenure. He hit the 40-catch and 500-yard marks in each of the last three seasons, including a career-high 655 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in the 2021 season.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Osborn’s consistency was especially admirable considering that the Vikings own the league’s best wide receiver in Justin Jefferson. They also had rookie stalwart Jordan Addison and veteran TE T.J. Hockenson produce aplenty on offense last year, so Osborn only saw so many targets and still put up steady numbers.
2024 will mark the first season without Bill Belichick on the New England Patriots’ sideline since 1999, the year before he took over as their new head coach. Needless to say, head coach Jerod Mayo and de facto GM Eliot Wolf haven’t wasted any time in reshaping the offense this offseason.
Osborn Fills A Need For The New England Patriots
The New England Patriots haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since 2019, when Julian Edelman hit the feat in his penultimate NFL season. Rookie Demario Douglas led the team with only 561 receiving yards in 2023.
Without a clear-cut WR1 on the roster, Osborn will have the perfect opportunity to put together a career year and thus set himself up for a nicer payday in 2025 free agency.
Also Read: REPORT: New Details Reveal The New England Patriots’ Plans With The No. 3 Pick In 2024 NFL Draft
