Patriots Sign ex Vikings Receiver K.J. Osborn

Former Minnesota Vikings perimeter receiver K.J. Osborn is reportedly joining the New England Patriots on a one-year deal, adding a much-needed playmaker to their corps of pass catchers.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots are adding some veteran savvy with some play-making ability to their corps of receivers for the upcoming season 

The Patriots, per a Sunday afternoon NFL Network report, are signing former Minnesota Vikings receiver K.J. Osborn on a one-year deal. Financial terms of the contract have yet to be announced. 

Credit: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Following a standout final collegiate season with Miami, Osborn was the fifth round (No. 176 overall) by the Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft. After essentially red-shirting first season in the NFL, the 5-11, 203-pound receiver finished the 2021 season with 655 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, both of which were third-most on the Vikings behind Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, respectively. 

Osborn followed up his first true NFL season with a 60-catch, 650-yard season, in which he earned five receiving scores. He demonstrated an ability to be a notable playmaker along the perimeter during the Vikings’ Week 15 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Osborn finished with 157 receiving yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions. Trailing by 33 points, the Vikings came back and won 39-36 in overtime on December 17, the largest comeback in NFL history. 

Three weeks later during Week 18, Osborn had the second 100-yard game of his career in the season finale against the Chicago Bears, finishing with 117 receiving yards on five receptions. Last season, Osborn caught 48 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns. 

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While much of Patriots Nation remains disappointed by the team’s failure to secure the services of top free agent wideout Calvin Ridley, Osborn will provide the Patriots with a sure-handed pass-catcher, capable of winning his matchups on the outside. He joins receivers Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte and Jalen Reagor on the Patriots depth chart. 

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