Earlier this week, K.J. Osborn joined a podcast, telling that show’s host that he wouldn’t mind signing with the Minnesota Vikings as the WR3 in 2026. A couple of days later, the former Viking landed with the Tennessee Titans.
Osborn now gets another shot in Tennessee after bouncing through three teams since leaving Minnesota.
The reunion angle was short-lived, and Osborn will now battle this summer for a roster spot on Robert Saleh’s team.
Advertisement
Tennessee Is Taking a Flier on Osborn
Osborn hasn’t found much luck recently, but perhaps Tennessee will be different.
A Tennessee Titans helmet sits on display along the sideline, capturing team branding and game-day atmosphere as players prepare nearby during early action Aug 25, 2024, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, during a preseason matchup against the New Orleans Saints with both teams evaluating depth and roster battles. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports.
TEN Signs Osborn
Osborn is back in the AFC, as NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Wednesday, “Wide receiver K.J. Osborn is headed to Tennessee. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Titans are going to sign Osborn to a one-year contract. Osborn failed to make the Commanders out of training camp last summer and spent time on the Falcons’ practice squad, but he did not appear in any regular season games with Atlanta.”
“He played one game for Washington in 2024 and caught seven passes for 57 yards in seven games for New England before heading to the Commanders as a waiver claim. Osborn spent his first four seasons with the Vikings. He had 158 catches for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns during his time in Minnesota.”
Advertisement
Generally speaking, Vikings fans remember Osborn fondly and wish him the best in Tennessee.
The Titans Updated WR Room
While Osborn doesn’t instantly project as a sure-fire roster lock, he’ll enter the mix this summer with this Titans WR group:
Ridley, Robinson, Ayomanor, and Dike should be roster shoo-ins; the rest of the spots will be up for grabs. Osborn could be looking at a practice squad fate — like last year.
Osborn in MIN and Out of MIN
Osborn spent his entire rookie contract in Minnesota, though it took him a year to establish himself. After rarely seeing the field on offense during the 2020 pandemic season, he emerged in 2021. A strong training camp propelled him into a consistent WR3 role, which he maintained through the 2023 campaign.
Advertisement
The role proved valuable for Minnesota, who had struggled to find a reliable WR3 option after cycling through players like Bisi Johnson and Chad Beebe. Osborn provided that stability. In 2023, he recorded 48 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns, figures consistent with his typical output. By the end of his Vikings tenure, he had amassed 158 receptions, 1,845 yards, and 15 touchdowns.
The scouting report on Osborn remains consistent: he thrived as a dependable WR3 in Minnesota, particularly with Kirk Cousins at quarterback. However, he has struggled to replicate that success outside of that environment.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17) stands on the field during pregame warmups, focused and preparing for action as the offense readies its plan Nov 19, 2023, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, ahead of a matchup against the Denver Broncos with attention on timing and execution. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports.
After the Vikings moved on following the 2023 season, Osborn signed with the New England Patriots, who were in dire need of receiver help. Despite the opportunity, he failed to produce, recording only seven catches for 57 yards.
Advertisement
Subsequent stops did not alter his trajectory. A stint in Washington proved uneventful, culminating in his release during final roster cuts in 2025. He then joined Atlanta’s practice squad, where he remained for the rest of the year.
Since leaving Minnesota, his production has been minimal: just seven receptions for 57 yards across two seasons. Here’s Osborn’s updated NFL resume:
Minnesota Vikings (2020–2023)
New England Patriots (2024)
Washington Commanders (2024)
Tennessee Titans (2026–now)
Tennessee’s FA Signings
The Titans were arguably the NFL’s busiest team in March, adding newcomers and retaining some of their own. Here’s a look at the whole free-agent class, in addition to Osborn:
Tony Adams (FS) NYJ → TEN
Daniel Bellinger (TE) NYG → TEN
Julius Chestnut (RB) TEN → TEN
Morgan Cox (LS) TEN → TEN
Austin Deculus (LT) HOU → TEN
Mohamoud Diabate (LB) CLE → TEN
Jordan Elliott (DL) CLE → TEN
John Franklin-Myers (DL) DEN → TEN
Kylen Granson (TE) IND → TEN
Malik Herring (ED) KC → TEN
Hendon Hooker (QB) DET → TEN
Jake Martin (LB) IND → TEN
Jerrick Reed II (S) TEN → TEN
Wan’Dale Robinson (WR) NYG → TEN
Austin Schlottmann (C) NYG → TEN
Joey Slye (K) WAS → TEN
Alontae Taylor (CB) NO → TEN
Tommy Townsend (P) HOU → TEN
Mitchell Trubisky (QB) BUF → TEN
Joshua Williams (CB) KC → TEN
New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn (2) celebrates in the end zone after finding paydirt, turning toward teammates and crowd energy during a key second-half moment Oct 20, 2024, at Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom, during an NFL International Series matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars as momentum swung late. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images.
Flott, Franklin-Myers, Robinson, Taylor, and Williams lead the way as men who project to contribute in Week 1, probably as starters.
Advertisement
The Titans hold the 4th, 35th, 66th, and 101st picks in the draft this month.