The New England Patriots are reportedly releasing veteran wide receiver K.J. Osborn. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it was a “mutual” decision by both sides on Tuesday.
Osborn, who has been a healthy scratch in games, wants a situation where he’s utilized more on the field. With only four games left and the veteran wideout likely not returning in 2025, it made sense for both parties to wash their hands clean of a situation that didn’t work out the way either expected.
Osborn wasn’t able to carve out a consistent role in a Patriots offense that struggled throughout the season. It was a huge drop-off from the production he had as the third option for the Minnesota Vikings last year, when he hauled in 48 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns.
But then again, he didn’t have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison commanding all of the attention in New England.
The Patriots are shifting their focus to their younger receivers, and there are expectations that they will add to the position in free agency and the draft next year.
Osborn is a good veteran player who simply never fit in New England.