Another Vikings Reunion Just Hit the Rumor Mill
Adam Thielen has commanded all reunion-themed Minnesota Vikings headlines in the last week, but one recently released Washington Commander would like a word.
Another Vikings reunion just hit the rumor mill as theories grow about a potential return for a familiar face in Minnesota. Here’s the latest.
K.J. Osborn, who spent four years with the Vikings, now needs a job, and given that Minnesota could use extra wide receiver depth, some have been quick to call for a reunion.
Is a Vikings Reunion about to Happen?
K.J. Osborn is available, and Minnesota needs WR depth.
K.J. Osborn Dropped by Commanders
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted Tuesday, the league’s deadline for teams to reduce rosters to 53 players: “Commanders are releasing veteran WR KJ Osborn, who now becomes a free agent.”
The move instantly shoves Osborn onto the free-agent wire. He’s not on a rookie contract and won’t have to clear waivers. Any team can sign him at any minute.
Osborn played one game for the Commanders when it was all said and done and was evidently not a priority for the long haul.
Rumor Mill Already Screaming with Vikings Connections
To be sure, because Minnesota very vividly needs WR depth due to Jordan Addison’s upcoming three-game suspension, Rondale Moore’s season-cancelling knee injury, and Jalen Nailor’s unknown hand injury prognosis, the rumor mill quickly connected Osborn to his former employer.
Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling tweeted, “If the Vikings are looking for a plug-and-play option at receiver who’d come cheaper than Adam Thielen would in a trade, Osborn could be a fit.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler joined the fun, too, with an Osborn tweet: “Could be option for Minnesota, which is looking for WR help. Went for 48-540-3 in Kevin O’Connell’s offense in 2023.”
Those notable mentions arrived on top of fans chirping about an Osborn reunion.
Osborn’s Lack of Success in NE, WAS
Osborn departed Minnesota following the 2023 campaign, after the Vikings did not prioritize his post-rookie-contract return. He wound up with the New England Patriots, a team that arguably possessed the worst wide receiving corps in the NFL last season, and promptly delivered just 7 receptions for 57 yards.
While his career may have a long way to go, Osborn did not thrive out of the gate in his post-purple adventure.
His roster release by Washington is further evidence.
The WR Room if So
Assume Minnesota did take the plunge on Osborn’s services, the Week 1 WR room might look like this sans Jordan Addison:
- Justin Jefferson
- Adam Thielen (if a trade finalizes)
- Jalen Nailor
- K.J. Osborn
- Tai Felton
- Myles Price
The above is a prediction and is, of course, subject to change.
More on Osborn
The Viking Age‘s Brad Berreman wrote about the idea of an Osborn reunion last week: “If the Vikings add a veteran wide receiver, and that is somewhat of an ‘if’ even though it’s fair to say they should, it may come after roster cuts next week when more options become available.”
“It’s also fair to say that anyone who has designs on a notable season-long role in an offense (Amari Cooper) will not prefer to come to Minnesota. Washington has a deep wide receiver depth chart heading into the final week of the preseason. Terry McLaurin has asked for a trade, but it’s most likely that they’ll get a contract extension done with him.”
Osborn turned 28 this summer.
“Deebo Samuel was a notable offseason addition. Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, and rookie Jaylin Lane feel like locks to make the 53-man roster. So Osborn is in competition with Michael Gallup, Michael Strachan, etc. to be the sixth wide receiver to make the roster, if six are kept,” Berreman continued.
“A late wide receiver addition for the Vikings will ideally have familiarity with their offense and some past production in it. Osborn checks those boxes more than just about anyone, if he ends up being available. And most importantly, for when Addison is back, he has proven he can be an ideal WR3.”
Perhaps Osborn will be a failsafe plan if Minnesota can not swing the oft-mentioned trade for Adam Thielen.
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