After getting waived by the New England Patriots on Tuesday, it didn't take very long for former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn to find a new NFL team, as he was reportedly claimed on waivers by the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
Osborn joins a Commanders team that is currently No. 7 in the NFC playoff standings with an 8-5 record heading into Week 15. Washington got off to a quick start this season with four wins in their first five games, but that steam has fizzled out a bit as they only have a 4-4 record since Week 6.
Osborn's addition to the Commanders roster also came shortly after it was revealed on Wednesday that Washington wide receiver Noah Brown could potentially be done for the rest of the 2024 season because of a kidney injury.
How much of an impact could former Minnesota Vikings WR K.J. Osborn make for the Washington Commanders?
With only seven catches for 57 yards and one touchdown in seven appearances with the Patriots this year, one should assume the Commanders' expectations for Osborn aren't exactly high for the remainder of the season.
Still, he showed during his time with Minnesota that he can make an impact for an offense and come up with big catches in clutch moments. During his final three years with the Vikings, Osborn averaged over 50 catches, 600 receiving yards, and five touchdown receptions per season.
The best single-game performance of his career in Minnesota took place during the Vikings' incredible 33-point comeback win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15 of the 2022 season. During that victory, he hauled in 10 passes for 157 yards and one touchdown.
Osborn was a solid No. 3 receiver for Minnesota during his tenure with the franchise, but for the rest of the 2024 campaign, Washington is probably hoping he can just help them make up for the unfortunate loss of Brown.