Washington Claims K.J. Osborn Off Waivers

The New England Patriots released K.J. Osborn on Tuesday. He found a new NFL home a day later. The Washington Commanders claimed the wide receivers off waivers. Osborn goes from a 3-10 Patriots team to the 8-5 Commanders who are still in the playoff hunt.

New England signed Osborn as a free agent this past offseason. He spent the first four years of his NFL career in Minnesota. The Vikings used him exclusively as a return specialist during his rookie season. However, he developed into a reliable receiving option over the next three seasons. From 2021 to 2023, he averaged 53 receptions, 615 yards, and five receiving touchdowns per season.

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K.J. Osborn began the 2024 season in New England’s starting lineup. However, his playing time diminished after the first few weeks. A lack of production on his part, combined with Kayshon Boutte’s emergence and Kendrick Bourne’s return, had Osborn inactive for five of the past nine games. He finished his time with the Patriots having caught seven passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.

K.J. Osborn goes from playing with the number three pick of the 2024 in Drake Maye to the second pick in Jayden Daniels. The Washington Commanders’ desire to make the addition is understandable. The team is dealing with the absences of running back Austin Ekeler, who also handles kickoff return duties, and wide receiver Noah Brown. Osborn could find himself as a valuable returner/receiver for the Commanders as they make a playoff push over the season’s final four games.