The New England Patriots are reportedly making their first outside signing at the wide receiver position.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Patriots are signing former Minnesota Vikings wideout K.J. Osborn to a deal. Osborn has mostly flown under the radar thanks to the massive shadow cast by Vikings All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson.
But there’s no doubt that he was a strong complementary option for Minnesota over the last three seasons. He posted 48 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns in an offense with both Jefferson and standout rookie Jordan Addison.
However, in the two previous years, Osborn posted 50-plus receptions for 600-plus yards.
The #Patriots are adding again, this time signing former #Vikings WR K.J. Osborn, per me and @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/jrs3dezclW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2024
No, this isn’t the big-ticket free agent signing Patriots fans are waiting for this offseason, but Osborn is a reliable playmaker that would be thrown into an offense that would have benefitted greatly from having him last season.
There’s more work to do at receiver, but this latest signing is a great start.
