AFC team interested in trading for Patriots' wide receiver before deadline

With the 2024 NFL trade deadline just hours away, the Patriots are expected to be a team engaging in some moves, whether bringing players in or shipping them out. Ideally, they would manage to bring in some much-needed offensive talent, preferably offensive line help or a top wide receiver, but given that rarely happens at this point in the season, the chances of that are slim to none.

However, they do have a good chance to add some quality future draft stock by trading away some of their more valuable players. There is a long list of projected names that could be on the trade block, many of which are on the offense, including a few wide receivers.

Although they need help to improve their receiving corps, the issues they have had with their pass catchers this season makes it easy for the team to sell the ones who might garner the most interest over the next few hours.

Among the most likely to be moved is K.J. Osborn, the only receiver the Patriots signed in free agency earlier this year. Fortunately for New England, a team is already expressing interest in getting a trade done for the receiver: the Chargers.

He had an impeccable reputation from his time with the Vikings, and while he's appeared to be a good teammate, Osborn has engaged in social media drama this season and has seemingly made it clear that he is not happy with his role in New England.

Given his potential and his proven production playing behind Justin Jefferson since he was drafted in 2020, a contending team could easily be willing to acquire him for decent draft capital.

The Chargers are in a tough division with the Chiefs but are still aiming for a playoff push after dealing with a lot of adversity at the beginning of the season. Adding a guy like Osborn could significantly help quarterback Justin Herbert, especially after nearly all of his best weapons were traded or left in free agency earlier this year.

The return for him might not be exactly what the Patriots will want, but the best move seems to be to trade Osborn away.

More Patriots news and analysis: