4 new Patriots players who will be upgrades this season

WR K.J. Osborn

The Patriots needed to address the receiving corps this offseason and the hope was that they would make a blockbuster trade for a game-changing receiver like Brandon Aiyuk or Tee Higgins. They haven't made a move in that area at all, and barely did much in free agency too.

But they did sign a rising talent who spent the first four years of his career with the Vikings, K.J. Osborn. He's not the Minnesota receiver that fans were hoping for since rumors suggested Justin Jefferson might be available, but Osborn might be an underrated addition that people are overlooking.

Although he might not be the clear-cut WR1 the Patriots need, he consistently puts up solid numbers despite playing behind one of the best receivers in the league.

Osborn wasn't used on the offense during his rookie year, so his career didn't really start until 2021. Since then, he has recorded 158 receptions for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 11.7 yards per catch.

He was a reliable option for Kirk Cousins on game day and would often boost the Vikings just when they needed it, especially when defenders were occupied with Jefferson.

With the departure of DeVante Parker and the uncertain future of JuJu Smith-Schuster, Osborn fills and immediate need while upgrading the position at the same time. His veteran experience will help take pressure off Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk while allowing the Patriots to move off of any receiver who might not be thriving, as we saw with a few last season.