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.