The Washington Commanders had a surplus at the wide receiver position entering the cut-down deadline. Adam Peters had some difficult decisions to make, and some prominent veterans were disposed of by the ruthless general manager despite their best efforts over the summer.
One of those parting ways with the franchise is K.J. Osborn. The veteran came into the Commanders off the waiver wire late last season after a serious internal injury to Noah Brown that required kidney surgery. He wasn't involved much, but got another one-year deal this offseason to see if some untapped potential remained.
It was a crowded room, and Osborn didn't do enough to cement his claims. The fact that he was playing late into Washington's preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens meant the writing was on the wall, and the former fifth-round pick out of Miami will now begin searching for alternative employment.
K.J. Osborn could land back with the Vikings after Commanders cut ties
And there is one obvious destination that makes almost too much sense.
The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly seeking wide receiver reinforcements in the trade market. They are being heavily linked with a move for Adam Thielen, but the Carolina Panthers are driving a hard bargain. If nothing can be agreed upon, the NFC North club could bring Osborn back to familiar surroundings.
Osborn was drafted by the Vikings and gradually emerged as a dependable No. 3 option. He accumulated 1,845 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns during his three seasons as a prominent member of the offensive rotation, which was enough for the New England Patriots to make him a decent offer in free agency.
It didn't take long to figure out that the Patriots weren't a good fit for Osborn. Things fizzled out quickly, and the pass-catcher could raise performance levels enough in Washington. Even so, his familiarity with Minnesota's staff and the schematic concepts makes this a viable solution to the team's current receiver dilemma.
Sometimes, going back to what you know can be the best thing. It's a sense of comfort that can provide an extra spark if things go stale elsewhere. Thielen provides more accomplished production, but the Vikings wouldn't have to take on a big salary or give up draft picks to get Osborn into the fold.
The Commanders are confident enough in the options available without Osborn. Terry McLaurin's extension gave everyone a massive lift, with the likes of Deebo Samuel Sr., Brown, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, and even undrafted rookie Ja'Corey Brooks capable of making waves.
Osborn is done in Washington, but he's got enough in his locker to catch on elsewhere.