Patriots Move Disappointing Veteran in Latest Projected Trade
The New England Patriots are one of several selling teams ahead of Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. The Patriots' firesale began earlier this week as they sent pass rusher Josh Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round selection.
Even though the trade deadline is less than a week, that's still more than enough time for the Patriots to continue moving pieces. The franchise is likely missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season, so it makes sense to continue trading players for draft picks if it means coming back stronger than ever in 2025.
If New England's brass isn't finished wheeling and dealing just yet, one struggling veteran could be the next player sent packing.
Patriots Rumors: Could WR KJ Osborn Be Traded Before Deadline?
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox posted his final trade board before the deadline. According to Knox, Patriots wideout K.J. Osborn "would be a logical trade candidate" in the coming days.
"(Osborn is) playing on a one-year deal and has seen a minor role in New England's offense," Knox wrote. "He could be a fine complementary target for a receiver-needy team over the second half of the season."
"With Diontae Johnson becoming the latest receiver off the trade market, Osborn should draw interest."
Less than a week to 2024 NFL Trade Deadline. @Kris_Knox has been tracking player movement for B/R all season long. Here's the final trade block big board as teams gear up for playoff push and offseason: https://t.co/40PZP2V9aK
— Wes O'Donnell (@wesodonnell) October 30, 2024
The Patriots signed Osborn during the offseason as they aimed to surround rookie quarterback Drake Maye with a reliable group of pass-catchers. Instead, the 27-year-old wide receiver has done nothing but disappoint every time he steps foot on the gridiron.
Through his first six games with the team, Osborn has caught just 7-of-17 targets (41.2%) for 57 receiving yards and one touchdown. No matter how it's looked at, that's an underwhelming performance for a receiver who averaged 615 yards and five TDs in his three previous seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
But even though things haven't worked out in New England, that doesn't mean Osborn can't get back on track elsewhere. Teams are frequently looking for WR help ahead of the deadline and Knox even lists the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers as potential destinations.
Any interested suitor likely wouldn't have to break the bank to land Osborn. He's been playing poorly on an expiring contract, meaning it would likely only take a sixth- or seventh-round pick to acquire his services.
At the end of the day, the Patriots might just be a bad fit for Osborn. New England's passing game has left much to be desired throughout the first half of the season and the former 2020 fifth-rounder might just be a victim of bad circumstances.
Patriots fans will soon know whether or not Osborn finishes the season in New England. This season's NFL trade deadline goes into full effect on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. ET.
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