The Patriots fill a major need at wide receiver ahead of the NFL Draft, signing the ex-Vikings wideout to a one-year contract.
On Monday afternoon, the New England Patriots and wide receiver K.J. Osborn agreed on a one-year deal for $4 million that can be worth up to $6 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Although Osborn finished 2023 with just 48 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns, he started a career-high 12 games and had become of fixture of Minnesota’s pass-happy offense over the past two seasons.
After losing out to the Tennessee Titans in the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes, the Patriots opted to sign a much cheaper (albeit less talented) option in Osborn. While the addition of Osborn “bolsters” a group of uninspiring wideouts, look for New England to continue to upgrade at the position in April. As their depth chart is currently constructed, the top receiving options on the Patriots’ current roster are JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, and tight end Hunter Henry, so Osborn figures to have a somewhat sizeable role right away.
As for who will be the signal caller for New England in 2024, that remains to be seen. It’s widely believed that the void will be filled with the third overall pick in the draft, but veteran Jacoby Brissett provides a stable enough floor in the event that the rookie isn’t ready to go right away. Still just 26 years old, K.J. Osborn might be worth a flier in dynasty formats, perhaps meriting a late-round pick in other fantasy leagues as well. Somebody has to catch passes in Foxboro, and if it isn’t Osborn, then the Patriots’ already-putrid offensive attack will suffer even more in 2024.
The New England Patriots waived wide receiver K.J. Osborn ...
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn, who is ...
The New England Patriots have agreed to terms on a deal with...
Minnesota Vikings Tight End TJ Hockenson will Play today despite injury, Wide Receiver K.J. Osborn is Unlikely to play.
ESPN’s Ed Werder reports that T.J. Hockenson is set to play today on a limited snap count against the New Orleans Saints at 1 pm EST. However, teammate K.J. Osborn is unlikely to play due to a concussion, a decision made by both the player and the coach.
Starting Hockenson in Fantasy is a bit of a desperation move; success will hinge on touchdowns, particularly relying on the Vikings reaching the red zone. With K.J. Osborn sidelined, there’s an opportunity for WR Brandon Powell to make his mark. While a deep-league option for the desperate, it’s also a chance to witness the Dobbs experiment unfold in real time.
Hockenson’s limited play count raises the collective hope for his sustained health during the Vikings’ playoff push. As for K.J. Osborn, out at least for this week, we’ll closely monitor his status, especially with the return of Justin Jefferson. His fantasy outlook is slightly less optimistic, and we’re wary of how long this concussion might linger. Skol.
–Tyler Kicklighter Player profiler News Desk @Tykick
