The Patriots continue to be at the forefront of several rumors ahead of the NFL's trade deadline on Tuesday, with some names circulating more than others. One of the most noteworthy is wide receiver K.J. Osborn, who signed with the team in free agency this past offseason.
Besides Kendrick Bourne, who received an extension, Osborn was the only veteran receiver the Patriots signed. He looked to be on track to have a prominent role within the offense, with Bourne expected to miss the start of the season due to his ACL injury. It seemed like the perfect replacement for the well-liked veteran, as Osborn was highly touted from his days with the Vikings, and for the most part, he played the role very well.
But that has changed throughout the season, as the receiver has engaged in social media controversies regarding his usage within the offense.
It has been an issue plaguing the Patriots this season despite the universally approved decision to bench Jacoby Brissett for rookie Drake Maye. Nearly every receiver has taken to their social media accounts or the media to air their grievances with the team, yet it was a bit more shocking to see Osborn participate in that.
It was prompted by his alleged healthy scratch against the Jaguars while the team was overseas, only for him to be a last minute starter after Javon Baker was ruled out with an illness. That didn't sit well with Osborn, but he scored a touchdown in that game to back up his insistence to be used more.
While that makes sense, he still hasn't been a spectacular performer, and it looks like the week for a healthy scratch might be against the Jaguars on Sunday.
Patriots WRs warming up:
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) November 3, 2024
Javon Baker
Kayshon Boutte
DeMario Douglas
Kendrick Bourne
Ja'Lynn Polk
Generally, the players seen warming up ahead of the game are the ones who will be playing. Because Osborn was not part of the group, it indicates he won't be suiting up to play.
It's quite a fall from where the season began, as he was one of the offense's starters through the first month of the year. But with a new regime, a rookie quarterback, and unnecessary social media drama, it looks like Osborn is likely on his way out of New England much quicker than anticipated.