This New Change Could Benefit Patriots Rookie After Bye Week

The Patriots locker room changed slightly, and it could serve to benefit a struggling rookie wide receiver.

New England officially waived K.J. Osborn on Tuesday. Head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed it was a mutual decision after the veteran wideout played seven games following the Week 14 bye.

The roster move opened up a spot for Cole Strange’s return, and it left Osborn’s locker open. Per the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan, Javon Baker’s locker was moved between DeMario Douglas and Jacoby Brissett. Baker’s locker previously was across the room with the running backs.

Is it a stretch to say the move was beneficial to Baker? It most likely is but moving closer to Douglas and Brissett certainly isn’t a bad move. Douglas already is one of the more respected players in the locker room, and Drake Maye’s development is evidence of Brissett maintaining his role as a leader. The veteran quarterback could assist Baker in the final stretch of the season to give him his much-desired playing time.

Mayo hinted that he’d like to see more from the 22-year-old and hoped his demotions were things he could learn from.

It’s a crowded wide receiver room but seeing anything positive from Baker would serve his future in One Patriot Place well.