Patriots part ways with experienced receiver

The Patriots and wide receiver KJ Osborn have reportedly mutually decided to part ways.

Osborn, who has been a healthy backup in recent weeks, has been released and will have a chance to join another team before the end of the season.

It’s a bit of a surprise that it took this long to let Osborn go. He had only played in seven games (7 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD), his last coming in Week 10 against Chicago. His name was announced before the November 5th trade deadline, but the Patriots were unable to find a trade partner.

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Osborn was one of Eliot Wolf’s offseason signings. The 27-year-old, who was a productive receiver during his time with the Minnesota Vikings, signed a one-year, $4 million contract.

They may need to make room for some of their returning players, namely offensive players Cole Strange and Caedan Wallace.

In October, Osborn expressed his frustration on social media and appeared to hint that he wanted out. When asked if this was the case, Osborn didn’t necessarily reject the notion.

“It’s like an alley,” he said. “Here I am. This is the place where I signed. Many things are out of my control, but I want to be where my feet are. So today I’m here, so now I’m going to rock it the way I can.”

The Patriots have Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker in the receiver room. They previously waived former second-round pick Tyquan Thornton.

Coach Jerod Mayo has indicated over the last four games that he wants to get a better handle on freshmen Polk and Baker, who have been plagued by mistakes and haven’t seen many offensive shots recently.