5 Patriots on the Hot Seat Entering Second Half of Season

2. K.J. Osborn, WR

The Patriots need experienced weapons to surround Drake Maye, which led to them signing K.J. Osborn to a one-year deal in the offseason.

The ex-Minnesota Vikings wideout performed well in a secondary role in the NFC North. He tallied 158 receptions for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns in 50 games across three seasons.

Even though few people expect Osborn to light the world on fire this season, nobody expected him to be as unproductive as he's been. The former 2020 fifth-round selection has caught a personal-worst 38.9% of targets through seven games for 57 yards and one touchdown. He hasn't reached the 30-yard mark and has finished three of his last five outings without a single receiving yard.

Osborn is still young enough (27) to have a few more seasons left in the tank, however, those might not be played in New England. If the veteran playmaker can't figure out how to take advantage of his opportunities — he plays 53% of offensive snaps — the Patriots likely won't give him an offer once he becomes a free agent in the winter.

The Patriots own the third-hardest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon. If he truly wants to prove his worth, Osborn will find a way to step up during that span to prove to the world that New England isn't as bad as its record implies.