WR K.J. Osborn ready to join Patriots’ rebuild: ‘I know what I signed up for’

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — K.J. Osborn spent the past three seasons as the Vikings’ No. 3 receiver.

He averaged 615 receiving yards eating leftover targets behind All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson and a former Pro Bowler in Adam Thielen, whom Minnesota replaced last year with first-round pick Jordan Addison.

Now, Osborn wants more, and he believes he’ll find it in New England.

“I’m excited to show the type of player I am,” Osborn told reporters via video conference Wednesday. “I’ve played with some great players – Adam (Thielen) and (Jefferson) and (T.J. Hockenson) and (Addison) and Dalvin (Cook). I’ve played with some great players. I’m excited to get some more opportunities and be able to really help this team win.”

Osborn said the Patriots made his Tuesday visit to the facility “feel like home.” He met with new head coach Jerod Mayo and owner Robert Kraft, among others. Before he agreed to terms on his 1-year free-agent contract Sunday, Osborn said he with Mayo about the team’s plans at quarterback, and became comfortable with the idea of joining a rebuilding team.

“I know what I signed up for,” he said. “It’s going to be a grind, and I want to be a person that helps get this organization back to where it needs to be.”

Last season, Osborn finished with 48 catches for 540 yards, more than every other Patriots receiver except then sixth-round rookie DeMario Douglas. Osborn has played most of his career in the slot, where Douglas lines up, so it appears the two will split time there in 2024. The 26-year-old said he’s open to filling any role with the Patriots, including serving as their No. 1 target.

Two years ago, Osborn enjoyed his best season during a Vikings playoff run, totaling 650 yards and five touchdowns. The only Patriots receiver to top those numbers the past two seasons is Jakobi Meyers, now a Las Vegas Raider. The key to repeating that production, Osborn indicated, will come down to extra practice reps and timing with his new quarterback.

“Just being on the field more,” he said. “I would think that comes with the reps and just seeing the game plan, the mental side of it. We’re all in the NFL. There’s a lot of talented players but the talent will only take you far. So, the mental part of the game, being on the same page with your quarterback; something I loved with Kirk (Cousins).”

As for who that quarterback will be, the Patriots signed veteran Jacoby Brissett to a 1-year contract this offseason. Brissett is expected to serve as a bridge to whomever the front office drafts next April. Following his comments Wednesday, Osborn sounds comfortable with that plan.

“(The quarterback situation) definitely went into the decision,” Osborn said. “I spoke to Coach Mayo, (offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt) and (others) like that for the plan going forward. I trust them that everything will take care of itself.”