Commanders To Re-Sign WR K.J. Osborn

Formerly a productive slot receiver in Minnesota, K.J. Osborn did not build on that work in New England. A Patriots team in need of steady receiving aid shopped Osborn before last year’s deadline and eventually cut him, leading Washington to take a flier.

The Commanders are set to see if Osborn can return to his pre-2024 form, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes the ex-Viking regular is re-signing on a one-year deal in Washington. Osborn is heading into his sixth NFL season.

Washington has lost four-year tertiary target Dyami Brown (to the Jaguars), but the team already made a splash to land an inside receiver by sending the 49ers a fifth-round pick for Deebo Samuel. The versatile All-Pro will become Terry McLaurin‘s top complementary option, but the team remains in need of players to operate around their top two. Noah Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus multi-stint Washington target Jamison Crowder are unsigned at this point.

An effective third option alongside Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen in Minnesota in 2021 and ’22, Osborn surpassed 600 receiving yards in each season and combined for 12 touchdown receptions. He added 540 yards and three scores during a 2023 season that brought a Kirk Cousins Achilles tear, but a modest market formed — ahead of a one-year, $4MM Patriots pact — and the former fifth-round pick managed only seven catches with New England. Even as the Patriots played a season in need at the position, Osborn did not provide much help.

Extensive shopping did not lead to a trade, even though the Chargers were believed to have interest. The Pats waived Osborn in December, and while he landed in Washington via waiver claim, he played in just one game and did not see any playoff action. Essentially, Osborn will look to forget 2024. Going into his age-28 campaign, the Michigan native will have a full offseason in Kliff Kingsbury‘s offense.