NFL Insider Watching This Potential Patriots Trade Target Closely

The Patriots wide receiver room did a lot of talking last month and some might be on the move before the NFL trade deadline.

Multiple wide receivers expressed their frustrations during New England’s six-game losing streak. K.J. Osborn made headlines with his social media activity and a peculiar touchdown celebration in London. The veteran downplayed any drama, but he seemed to hint that he would like his Patriots tenure to end soon.

Osborn, Kendrick Bourne and Tyquan Thornton were pass-catchers who’ve been named in trade rumors. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler highlighted Osborn on Saturday.

“At receiver, K.J. Osborn is the Patriots player I’m watching most closely at the deadline,” Fowler wrote.

Bourne is a respected locker room leader, and Thornton flashed enough potential that there’s a case for him to remain on the team. However, Osborn arguably is the leader of failed free-agent signings. The 27-year-old caught seven passes for 57 yards and a touchdown in six games this season. And the coaching staff hasn’t been afraid to make him a healthy scratch due to his lack of production.

It’s unknown what New England could get for a low-end No. 2 or high-end No. 3 receiver like Osborn. But the Patriots also are looking to upgrade at key positions, so they’ll be actively seeking suitors to move pieces around.