The New England Patriots officially parted ways with WR K.J. Osborn on Tuesday following a strange season for the vet in New England. After putting up 540 yards in Minnesota in 2023, Osborn has just 57 yards with the Patriots in seven games this season. He has only been active for three of the teams’ last nine games after being mostly phased out by New England’s offense.
The Patriots have been in a bit of a holding pattern with Osborn since a trade failed to materialize at the deadline. Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported that the receiver was drawing interest in trade talks back in early November.
Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi specifically reported on November 5th that the Los Angeles Chargers were one of the teams that had interest in Osborn at the deadline. GM Joe Hortiz ultimately stood pat in the wide receiver room despite reported interest in names like Osborn and now Steelers receiver Mike Williams.
It’s worth noting here that Osborn will likely have to clear waivers for the Chargers to sign him, or at least fall to them in priority order. The team most recently used a waiver claim on Marcus Maye a few weeks ago after safety A.J. Finley was claimed by Seattle.
The Chargers are currently fighting a war of attrition in the wide receiver room. Brenden Rice and Simi Fehoko are both currently on IR. Jalen Reagor has played a very meaningful 10-20 snaps on offense for them each week since he was signed to the active roster. However, Reagor left the teams’ game against Kansas City early with a finger that injury caused him to miss the second half.
Osborn would be a very inexpensive claim for the Chargers as he was guaranteed just over $3 million by the Patriots this season. It would at least provide the team with some immediate depth behind DJ Chark as they work through their injuries.
The Chargers re-signed WR Dez Fitzpatrick to the practice squad today after Reagor’s injury on Sunday.
Time will tell if the Chargers make a move for Osborn’s services prior to their matchup with the Bucs at Sofi Stadium this week.
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