If you had told a single Patriots fan before the 2024 season began that midway through, they would be considered to have too many wide receivers on their roster and were looking to unload some of them; not many would actually believe you.
The lack of talent on the receiving corps has been a problem for the team for quite some time, so the fact they're in the opposite situation, even if it's not the long list of players many would hope for, is a significant development that could not have been predicted.
It's why the assumption was they would trade away at least one player, likely K.J. Osborn or Tyquan Thornton, before the deadline. But because they didn't do that, they appear to be in a conundrum heading into Week 10.
Since they can no longer trade away any players, they are limited in their options in how to proceed the rest of the season besides continuing what they have been doing: having a couple of players be healthy scratches every week. That's been the go-to over the past few weeks and is what will be their path moving forward unless they choose to release a player instead.
Patriots might release a disgruntled receiver since trading him before the deadline didn't work
With so much drama with the receivers this season, the Patriots may decide to outright release one of them instead of scratching them every week. That's a potential plan, according to Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi, who cited sources claiming Osborn is the frontrunner.
The former Vikings WR2 has already expressed his frustration with his spot on the team, recording just seven receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown, so it might be best to let him go elsewhere to continue his NFL career.
"These guys are on the roster right now..." says Mayo when asked about having seven WRs on the active roster. On that front, spoke to a pair of league sources who believed there was no movement there because the belief is Osborn wants out & will eventually get his wish. https://t.co/qGnLwTws2s
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) November 6, 2024
He should have been a heavily pursued player ahead of the deadline, as he has more than proven to be a solid number two for any offense in the league. He succeeded behind Justin Jefferson during his time with the Minnesota and that seemed like it would have been enough for contending teams to inquire about a trade.
Instead, the Patriots held on to him, whether due to a lack of league interest or because they didn't like the offers they received. And now they might be forced to release him for nothing, which isn't the best outcome, given they could have gotten a draft pick in return via trade.
Moving on from him, even if he has been a great teammate, might be the best resolution for all involved. Osborn deserves to be on a team that will utilize his talents, while the Patriots missed their opportunity for any compensation and will now have to just eat it and move on.
How the next week or so goes will be interesting, especially if Osborn doesn't suit up against the Bears this Sunday.