NFL Trade Deadline: Patriots Wide Receiver to the Chargers?

The NFL Trade Deadline is today at 4 p.m. ET. Several New England Patriots players have been rumored in potential deals leading up to the deadline, with linebacker Joshua Uche being shipped to Kansas City last week. the latest rumored player on his way out of Foxboro is wide receiver K.J. Osborn. The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly have interest in obtaining the veteran pass catcher.

Mike Giardi of “Boston Sports Journal” reported the interest, noting that the Chargers were among several teams interested in acquiring Osborn.

The Chargers are one of the teams that has interest in K.J. Osborn.

— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) November 5, 2024

Also Read – Which New England Patriots Will Be Traded Before the Deadline?

Eliot Wolf recouping any compensation for Osborn would seem like a win for the New England Patriots. Osborn is on a one-year deal and will become an unrestricted free agent following the 2024 season. He has played in six of nine games this season,  catching seven passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. This marks a notable dropoff from Osborn’s production with the Minnesota Vikings. Over his final three seasons in Minnesota (2021-2023) Osborn averaged 53 receptions for 615 yards and five touchdowns. In his lone season in New England, Osborn is on pace for 13 receptions, 108 yards, and two touchdowns.

Win-Win Trade

The Chargers stand at 5-3 and are in the playoff picture. However, their wide receivers have had trouble with health and productivity. Osborn could provide another option for quarterback Justin Herbert in L.A.

The New England Patriots would be willing to trade anyone on their roster who does not project to be part of their team beyond 2024. With wide receivers Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker under contract for 2025 in New England, thinning out the unit by trading K.J. Osborn and creating more opportunities for those remaining makes sense. If Osborn can produce for the Chargers, or another NFL team this season, it would be a win-win trade.