4 biggest takeaways from the Vikings win over the Jaguars in Week 13
By Adam Patrick
Finding a punt returner needs to be a priority for Minnesota in 2021
The Vikings thought they were getting a talented new return-man this past offseason when they used a fifth-round pick to draft former Miami wide receiver, K.J. Osborn. Unfortunately for Minnesota, Osborn hasn’t produced like the team thought he would when they drafted him.
So far this season, the Vikings rookie has gained a total of 27 yards on seven punt returns. His longest return of the year actually happened against the Jaguars on Sunday when he returned a punt for a gain of eight yards.
Combine Osborn’s lack of return yards with the fact that he’s fumbled twice in the last three weeks when fielding punts, it’s mind-boggling why Minnesota continues to utilize him as their punt returner.
No matter what happens during the rest of the current season, it is an absolute must that the Vikings make finding a new punt returner a priority in 2021. Whether it be through free agency or the draft, Minnesota needs to give the job to someone who is not only more reliable, but able to actually turn a punt return into a significant gain as well.