The Patriots have added former Vikings WR K.J. Osborn (5-11, 203) to their receiver room.
The move was first reported by NFL Network.
After not playing much as a fifth-round pick in 2020, Osborn has averaged 52.7 catches, 615 yards and five touchdowns the last three seasons.
Osborne, who will turn 27 on June 10, saw his drop rate go from 2.2 and 2.4 to 6.7 this past season.
On a team with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Osborn still lined up 67 percent of the time on the outside. He was more in the slot in 2022.
Despite starting out as a punt and kick returner his first two seasons, Osborn didn't return kicks the last two years.
BSJ ANALYSIS
My initial reaction was Osborn gives them coverage in case Kendrick Bourne is slow to recover, but I do wonder if this puts two players in the crosshairs: Juju Smith-Schuster and/Tyquan Thornton.
I think any and all can be true. I have my eye most on Smith-Schuster, but it's the type of determination that can be made once OTAs start.
Osborn is coming from a similar offensive system, so that will help him contribute. He's a good, solid player who is known more for being of a slot/mid-level passing option on crossers - put he was pretty efficient deep earlier in his career before Addison was drafted.
Definitely a No. 3 or 4 type receiver. Tough physically but not great YAC/broken tackles. Known to be a great teammate/locker room guy. Went to University of Miami so Alonzo Highsmith would know his character well.
