4 Patriots Who Could Be Benched in Second Half of Season

With the way the 2024 NFL season has unfolded, these four New England Patriots are at risk of being benched if they don't step up down the stretch.

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo looks on during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. / Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

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2. K.J. Osborn, WR

If we're going to keep talking about disappointing wide receivers, we may as well turn our attention to offseason acquisition K.J. Osborn.

After the WR room was a disaster in 2023, the Patriots tried to amend the situation by inking the former Minnesota Vikings playmaker to a one-year contract. With 540-plus receiving yards in each of the three previous seasons, New England fans expected Osborn to be a solid presence who could help ease Maye's transition to the NFL.

Instead of being a security blanket, Osborn has been one of the Patriots' most inconsistent receivers. The ex-2020 fifth-round draftee only has 57 yards and a touchdown on seven catches through his first seven games and hasn't even made a single reception since the franchise's Week 7 visit to London.

With how everything has gone, it seems unlikely that Osborn will bounce back in the second half. He just isn't a good fit for New England's offense and it makes sense for Mayo's staff to give his playing time (53% of offensive snaps) to younger players who have a better shot at sticking with the franchise in 2025 and beyond.

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