The [New England Patriots](https://www.patspulpit.com) have reportedly waived wide receiver K.J. Osborn, according to multiple reports. The decision to split ways was described as a mutual one which will now send the veteran to waivers, where he’ll hope to latch onto another team in the final weeks of the regular season.
Signing a one-year deal with New England this offseason, Osborn played at least 60 percent of the team’s offensive snaps over the first month of the regular season. Following Kendrick Bourne’s return in Week 5, Osborn was phased out of the offense as he played in just three of the team’s next six games.
With the team continuing to lean into younger players at the position, the 27-year old has then been a healthy scratch the past three weeks.
Following the role reduction, which Osborn described as “frustrating”, the receiver’s name was discussed ahead of the trade deadline but no deal was ultimately reached. In total, Osborn appeared in just seven games for the Patriots hauling in seven passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.
New England will now enter the final month of the regular season with Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker on the active roster at the position. More opportunities could now be available for rookie’s Polk and Baker down the stretch.
“We need to see what the receivers can do and what they’re going to look like going forward,” head coach Jerod Mayo said prior to the bye week. “And that’s the hard part for me. Look, you want to win right now, but at the same time, I think it would be a disservice to go to the end of the season and not know exactly what we have.”
The release of Osborn will also open a spot on the Patriots 53-man roster. That will likely be filled by offensive lineman Cole Strange, who’s 21-day activation window off injured reserve closes on Wednesday. Rookie offensive tackle Caedan Wallace, who [returned to practice](https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/12/9/24317171/patriots-caedan-wallace-returns-practice-21-day-window-injured-reserve) on Monday, is also a candidate.