Kirk Cousins ​​thinks Patriots WR could have breakout season

The Patriots didn’t necessarily make headlines when they signed KJ Osborn to a one-year deal last month – especially after New England failed to land Calvin Ridley in free agency .

But Osborn has a lot of faith in his former Vikings teammate Kirk Cousins.

The current Falcons signal-caller appeared on the latest episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” where he was asked which of his former teammates might be due for a breakout season in 2024.

Cousins ​​had no shortage of high-end talent to throw at during his six seasons in Minnesota, including Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and Jordan Addison. But Osborn presents himself as a player that Cousins ​​believes could thrive in a starring role with the Patriots.

“Almost all of them, but KJ Osborn is a receiver that was with us in Minnesota and was kind of in the shadow of Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen,” Cousins ​​said. “And I always felt like KJ was better than the opportunities he had. He hit free agency and went to New England, and I would love to see him have a huge year in New England with a bigger role than he had in Minnesota to show what he could do.

“This list would go on and on of guys who I think because they have someone in front of them, they can’t be as good or show themselves as good as they actually are. You want these guys to get opportunities.

Even though he was lower on the depth chart behind proven playmakers like Jefferson and Thielen, Osborn averaged 52.7 receptions, 615 receiving yards and five touchdowns per season over the last three years.

In his career, Osborn has 158 catches for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns in 59 regular season games.

Speaking to reporters during his first press session in New England, Osborn stressed that he is confident in his ability to become the Patriots’ No. 1 receiver.

“I’m excited to show the type of player I am,” Osborn said. “I’m excited to have more opportunities and be able to really help this team win.” There’s a lot of great players in the receiver room already, so I want to come in and help those guys out, another complement.