Breaking: 26yrs old Patriots wide receiver  has a realistic chance of collecting some contract incentives in 2024.

Wide receiver K.J. Osborn’s one-year contract with the New England Patriots carries a base value of $4 million. However, the free agency acquisition could significantly bolster his cash intake through several levels of incentives embedded into the deal he signed as an unrestricted free agent.

 

In total, Osborn stands to gain another $2 million should he hit the maximum numbers — meaning there is a chance he could increase his contract value by 50 percent. Whether he will do that remains to be seen, but he should have a realistic shot at earning at least some of his incentives during the 2024 season.

A look at the structure, as reported by Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan, illustrates this:

WR K.J. Osborn: Contract incentives

2024: Up to $2 million
$300,000: 50 receptions
$300,000: 60 receptions
$200,000: 70 receptions
$200,000: 80 receptions
$300,000: 550 receiving yards
$300,000: 650 receiving yards
$200,000: 750 receiving yards
$200,000: 850 receiving yards

For the upcoming season all of Osborn’s incentives are classified as not likely to be earned. Appearing in 17 games last season and ranking second among all Minnesota Vikings wide receivers in snaps, he finished with the worst statistical output of his career: 48 catches and 540 yards (as well as three touchdowns).

That being said, Osborn has previously put up numbers that would qualify him for the incentive escalators in his contract with the Patriots. In both 2021 and 2022, the former fifth-round draft pick crossed the 650-yard barrier while he also had 50-plus receptions in those seasons: he went 50/655/7 in 2021, followed by a 60/650/5 campaign the next season.

Reaching those levels again in New England is no guarantee, but the circumstances might play into his hands. The Patriots’ wide receiver group, after all, lacks established talent: Kendrick Bourne is coming off a torn ACL; JuJu Smith-Schuster struggled in 2023; DeMario Douglas is entering only his second season, with Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker rookies; Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor head a group of backups and relative unknowns.

Obviously, the Patriots might be able to get some consistent production out of players such as Bourne, Douglas and rookies Polk and Baker. Then again, it is not unrealistic either that Osborn — who might be their No. 1 perimeter receiver at this point — emerges as a viable top three option this season.