Wide receiver K.J. Osborn and the New England Patriots are going their separate ways. However, this move by the front office has fans fuming.
After a lackluster stint in Foxborough, the former Viking, who signed a $4 million, one-year deal in the offseason, has been waived by New England. ESPN’s Adam Schefter described the decision as “mutual,” but the news has sparked fan reactions.
NFL Fans Unhappy With Patriots’ Treatment of K.J. Osborn
Osborn’s time with New England was nothing short of disappointing. Initially a key part of the offense, he saw playing time in the first four games but was sidelined as Kendrick Bourne returned in Week 5 after tearing his ACL last season.
Over seven appearances, Osborn managed just two games with more than three targets. Whispers of a potential trade to the Los Angeles Chargers before the deadline made rounds on the internet, but no deal materialized.
Osborn was stuck in a diminished role. By November, he hadn’t suited up in weeks, leading to frustration.
Many questioned the investment made by general manager Eliot Wolf. One disgruntled fan on X quipped, “Add another failed free agent signing to Wolf’s list of bad investments.”
Add another failed free agent signing to Wolfes list of failed investments.
— jmlinfl 🍀🇺🇸✝️✡️ (@jmlinfl) December 10, 2024
Another said, “guess it’s time for osborn to catch passes… just not from the patriots anymore.”
One fan commented, “Breaking up is hard to do, but when it’s with the Patriots, it’s like they’re saying, ‘You’re too good for us, go find someone who appreciates you.’ #KJOToTheMoon.”
Another took a jab at the Patriots, saying, “The Patriots waving goodbye to K.J. Osborn. It’s like sending a friend off to find their true calling in life. Maybe he’ll find a team where he can catch more than just the occasional cold. 🏈👋.”
One user joked, “Looks like K.J. Osborn is hitting the free-agent market! Time for him to catch more than just the coach’s eye.”
New England’s struggles at wide receiver have been a recurring theme this season. Tyquan Thornton was cut in November, and Osborn’s release further signals a commitment to rebuilding.
With four games remaining in the 2024 season, head coach Jerod Mayo will be leaning on a young corps of receivers, including DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.
This suggests a focus on developing talent for the future, with plans to strengthen the group in free agency and the NFL Draft. As for Osborn, this is a chance to hit the reset button. While his time in New England didn’t pan out, he remains a talented veteran capable of contributing to the right system.