6 most disappointing Vikings from the 2023 NFL season
By Chris Schad
3rd-most disappointing Viking of 2023
K.J. Osborn - WR
Osborn has been a fan favorite during his time in Minnesota, but the 2023 season could be a disappointing ending for the 26-year-old.
Osborn posted nearly identical numbers in 2021 (50 catches, 655 yards, 7 touchdowns) and 2022 (60 catches, 655 yards, 5 touchdowns) and had some hype after catching 30 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns in his final five games to close the 2022 season.
The release of Adam Thielen created an even bigger opportunity, and Vikings fans were optimistic even after the selection of Jordan Addison in the first round of the 2023 draft.
Unfortunately, Osborn’s game didn’t reach another level. His 12.7 percent drop rate ranked eighth among receivers with 20 percent of the league lead in snaps last season. Osborn’s 25 percent catch rate was the 11th-lowest, and his 0.95 yards per route run ranked 82nd among 95 qualifiers.
Kevin O’Connell’s offense didn’t do Osborn any favors as he remained in the same role and took a back seat to Addison and T.J. Hockenson, but even his work as a run-blocker dropped off with a 52.7 grade last season.
Add it all up, and Osborn has the look of a replacement-level player as he heads to free agency.
While all it takes is one team to pay up, the Vikings have several bigger needs to fill, which could lead to Osborn’s departure this year.