Vikings Wide Receiver K.J. Osborn Set to Leave Minnesota in 2024
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn, a former fifth-round pick, has exceeded expectations and is now expected to find a new team in 2024. Despite not catching a single pass in his rookie year, Osborn has shown consistent improvement over the past three seasons, averaging 615 yards receiving and scoring 15 touchdowns.
As Osborn heads into free agency for the first time in his career, there is a growing likelihood that the Vikings will be unable to retain him. With his impressive production and the team’s other pressing needs, Osborn is likely to attract offers that may be too expensive for the Vikings to match.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), potential landing spots for Osborn include the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. PFF’s cap expert, Brad Spielberger, noted that Osborn has been productive in the Vikings’ high-volume passing attack, primarily lining up in the slot in 2022 and shifting outside in 2023. While he had some issues with drops in 2023, Spielberger believes Osborn would provide solid depth for many teams.
Spotrac projected that Osborn could secure a two-year, $15.13 million contract in free agency, which may be too costly for the Vikings to invest in a fourth option in their passing game.
Osborn’s emergence last season played a role in the Vikings’ decision to move on from veteran Adam Thielen, whose role in the offense diminished with the arrival of T.J. Hockenson. However, it was rookie Jordan Addison who truly stepped up as Thielen’s replacement. Selected 23rd overall in the previous year’s draft, Addison quickly made an impact and became the team’s second wide receiver behind Justin Jefferson.
Addison solidified his role in the offense when Jefferson missed seven games due to a hamstring injury. He finished the season with impressive statistics, ranking second in targets, receptions, and receiving yards behind Hockenson. Additionally, Addison led the team with 10 receiving touchdowns, the most by a Vikings rookie since Randy Moss in 1998.
In comparison, Osborn had a solid season with 48 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns. While he is a valued player in the Vikings locker room, Osborn is likely to return on a smaller contract compared to what he could receive elsewhere.
Getty General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings had a disappointing 7-10 season in 2023. One of the main reasons for their struggles was the absence of Kirk Cousins, who missed the final nine games due to a ruptured Achilles. Cousins is currently in the process of recovering from this injury.
Moving forward, it won’t be easy for the Vikings to rely solely on Cousins. They have several key contributors whose contracts are up for renewal, and their salary cap space is limited. This means that the team will have to make some tough decisions.
Improving the defense should be a top priority for the Vikings. They could greatly benefit from adding a talented edge rusher, interior defensive lineman, and cornerback in the first round of the draft. Additionally, it would be wise for the team to draft a quarterback in the first round to groom as Cousins’ potential successor.
In the past couple of years, the Vikings’ new management has been focused on rebuilding the team while also being mindful of their budget. They have made strategic free-agent signings to complement their existing roster. The upcoming draft, combined with the development of their 2022 and 2023 draft picks, will be crucial in determining whether the team is ready to compete or if they need to take a step back.
Trevor Squire is a sports reporter who covers the Minnesota Vikings.
