After four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver K.J. Osborn wound up signing a contract with the New England Patriots earlier this year. With the Patriots, Osborn was hoping to prove that he could be a reliable No. 1 or No. 2 wide receiver in the NFL after spending multiple seasons as the No. 3 pass-catcher in Minnesota.
Unfortunately for Osborn, this season in New England has arguably been the most difficult of his pro career since entering the NFL in 2020.
So far this year, the former Vikings receiver has only caught seven passes for 57 yards and one touchdown in seven appearances. Osborn is still young enough (27) to get things back on track in 2025, but he's likely going to have to prove himself all over again in order to make significant impact somewhere else next season.
Don't be surprised if K.J. Osborn re-signs with Minnesota Vikings in 2025 after terrible stint with New England Patriots
Despite his forgettable 2024 season with the Patriots, Osborn will likely have multiple teams interested in adding him when he becomes a free agent again next year since he won't cost much to sign.
It seems possible that the former Minnesota wide receiver could even end up back with the Vikings in 2025 if the team is interested in re-signing him.
Osborn was a solid No. 3 receiver for Minnesota during his tenure with the franchise, and the Vikings haven't really had that this season behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
In the 2023 campaign with Minnesota, Osborn finished with 48 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns. Compare these numbers to current Vikings WR3 Jalen Nailor from this year, who has 18 receptions for 270 yards and five scores in 13 games.
Even if Osborn isn't guaranteed the No. 3 spot on Minnesota's roster next season, he might just want to return to the team because he enjoyed his time with the organization.
Since Kevin O'Connell became the franchise's head coach in 2022, the Vikings have developed a culture that free agents want to become a part of, and it's safe to say Osborn hasn't had a similar experience during his time in New England this year.
Whether he returns to Minnesota next season or not, one can easily guarantee that he won't be signing another deal with the Patriots ever again.