Signed in March to a one-year, $4 million deal with $3.18 million guaranteed, Osborn was expected to bring experience and versatility to the Patriots' offense.
Despite starting the first four games of the season, his role steadily diminished, leading to just seven receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown over seven games.
His last game action came on November 10 against the Chicago Bears before being a healthy scratch for three consecutive weeks.
The #Patriots and WR KJ Osborn are mutually parting ways, as he heads to waivers with the opportunity to latch on with another team.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 10, 2024
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo acknowledged Osborn’s professionalism but pointed to the limited impact he had on the field. “He’s been in this league for a long time, and he’s a professional,” Mayo said in November. “He understands the active/inactive part of it. I would say he just needs to continue to do what he’s doing, and that’s to go out there, practice hard, and be a good teammate.”
With New England sitting at 3-10, the team has shifted its focus to younger players like DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, leaving Osborn as an odd man out in the rotation.
Former (and future?) Vikings WR KJ Osborn catching the walk-off game winning TD in OT vs Carolina in 2021.
— Purple FTW! Podcast (@PurpleForTheWin) December 10, 2024
The Panthers QB who led a 96-yard TD drive (plus 2pt conversion) to force OT?........ Sam Darnold.pic.twitter.com/BeDyckxHjF
Osborn, 27, spent four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Patriots, where he accumulated over 1,800 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
Though his time in New England fell short of expectations, his past success could make him an appealing option for teams looking for depth at wide receiver.
Early speculation points to potential interest from the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and a possible return to the Vikings as he looks to revitalize his career in a new setting.
Photo Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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