Vikings’ $15 million playmaker expected to leave for AFC contender.
K.J. Osborn, a former fifth-round pick, has shown considerable potential as a Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, although he is likely to be traded in 2024.
Osborn was selected in the fifth round of the 2020 draft and did not catch a single ball his debut year, but he has since averaged 615 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns over the last three seasons.
Osborn is slated to enter free agency for the first time in his career in March. Given his production and the Vikings’ growing needs elsewhere on the roster, Osborn is likely to garner offers that might push the Vikings out.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Osborn might join the Cleveland Browns or the Baltimore Ravens.
“Osborn primarily lined up in the slot in 2022 before shifting outside in 2023. On January 31, PFF’s cap analyst Brad Spielberger stated, “He’s a WR3/4 but has been productive in a very high-volume Vikings passing offense.” “Untimely drops plagued him in 2023 but he’d provide solid depth for a lot of teams, and one has to imagine with the addition of first-round rookie Jordan Addison and the emergence of Brandon Powell this past season that perhaps Minnesota works a bit harder to retain the speedy Powell on a cheaper deal.”
Spotrac predicted Osborn to sign a two-year $15.13 million contract for $7.56 million per year in free agency, which is certainly above the Vikings’ budget for a fourth option in their passing game.
The writing was on the wall for Osborn after the Vikings drafted Jordan Addison.
Last offseason, Osborn was part of the reason the Vikings felt comfortable moving away from veteran Adam Thielen, who saw his role in the offense decline after the addition of T.J. Hockenson.
However, Addison was billed as Thielen’s genuine replacement. Addison, who was drafted 23rd overall last year, made a significant impact this season and finally rose to become the No. 2 wide receiver behind Justin Jefferson.
When Jefferson missed seven games due to a hamstring injury, Addison solidified his place in the offense for the next few years. He completed the year second in targets (108), catches (70), and receiving yards (911), trailing only Hockenson, and led the team with ten receiving touchdowns, the most by a Vikings rookie since Randy Moss in 1998.
Osborn finished the season with 48 receptions on 75 targets, 540 yards receiving, and three touchdowns. He is a model player in the Vikings locker room and will very certainly be welcomed back, albeit on a much lesser contract than he could receive elsewhere.
Vikings’ Top Needs in the 2024 NFL Draft
The Vikings’ terrible 7-10 season in 2023 was highlighted by the absence of Kirk Cousins, who missed the final nine games of the season due to a ruptured Achilles that he is still healing from.
Simply running it back with Cousins will be difficult given that the Vikings must make decisions on another 15 key players and are limited in cap money.
An impact first-round pick may significantly strengthen the defense’s edge rusher, interior defensive line, and cornerback spots. However, the best way to succeed Cousins is to draft a first-round quarterback and nurture him during his rookie year.
Over the last two years, the new Vikings leadership has blended a competitive rebuild with continuity and budget-friendly free agent arrivals. This next round, as well as the offseason development of 2022 and 2023 draftees, will determine whether the roster is ready to compete or should take a step back.
