5 Patriots Making it Easy for New England to Say Goodbye in 2025

1. K.J. Osborn

K.J. Osborn was billed as a dependable veteran receiver when New England inked the former Minnesota Viking to a one-year, $4 million deal in free agency – but after 13 games, it is easy to forget that he is still on the team.

During his three full seasons in Minnesota, Osborn averaged 52 receptions for 615 yards and five touchdowns. So far in his first season in New England, the 27-year-old has seven catches for 57 yards and one touchdown.

Osborn has been inactive for New England's last three games (and four of their previous five) and has not recorded a reception since Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

Like many in the Patriots wide receiver room, Osborn has also been at the center of a few distractive incidents this season. Following that transatlantic trip to London – in which he recorded a touchdown catch – Osborn turned heads by posting a text message exchange to his Instagram story.

With Osborn's future with the Patriots in question, he was asked by Chris Mason of MassLive prior to the deadline if he wanted to be traded:

"It's like an alley oop. This is where I am. This is the place I signed to be. A lot of things are out of my control, but I would like to be where my feet are. So today I'm here, so now I'll rock with it as it goes."

- K.J. Osborn on Oct. 23

Despite being identified as a likely option to be moved at the trade deadline, that never came to fruition and Osborn remained on New England's roster as the deadline came and went. There was also a suggestion that the Patriots organization could "do right" by him and release the veteran, but that also never materialized.

Given that Osborn only signed a one-year deal, it would take a shocking development to see him in a Patriots uniform in 2025. The former Miami Hurricane should have a few suitors that have faith in his ability to replicate his Viking-era numbers.

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