The Cleveland Browns might not be big players in free agency this year, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t needs to be filled this offseason.
In a season where the defense dominated, the offense could be a priority for additions this spring. One player that Pro Football Focus believes could land in Cleveland is Minnesota Vikings wideout K.J. Osborn.
“Osborn lined up primarily in the slot in 2022 and shifted outside in 2023,” PFF’s Brad Spielberger wrote. “He’s a WR3/4 but has been productive in a very high-volume Vikings passing attack. Untimely drops plagued him in 2023 but he’d provide solid depth for a lot of teams, and one has to imagine with the addition of first-round rookie Jordan Addison and the emergence of Brandon Powell this past season that perhaps Minnesota works a bit harder to retain the speedy Powell on a cheaper deal.”
Osborn finished the season with 48 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns – all of which were career lows in his three seasons of extended action. He is the odd man out in Minnesota and could land on another team in need of receiver depth.
The Browns are one of those teams. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to return fully healthy and will need a full complement of skill position players to rebound after an injury-riddled season in 2023.
Wide receivers Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore are locks to return and Cedric Tillman will be entering his second NFL season. But the rest of the receiver group is uncertain with Marquise Goodwin, James Proche and Jakeem Grant likely to hit free agency.
Osborn isn’t a flashy player but he is a serviceable backup wide receiver who can produce in moments of need. He likely won’t cost a lot of money, which fits right in Cleveland’s scope this offseason.
