Osborn's signing adds receiver depth, but don't close the door on drafting Carnell Tate. Tennessee's "best player available" strategy still leaves the door open.
The Tennessee Titans had a busy Wednesday, signing both K.J. Osborn and beloved Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Osborn signing on Wednesday. He'll be joining the Titans on a one-year deal.
The high points of Osborn's career were with the Minnesota Vikings from 2020-23. He accounted for 1,845 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns during that span.
Minnesota moved on from him after the 2023 season. He played for two teams in 2024, spending time with both the New England Patriots and Washington Commanders. Osborn played in eight games last season and recorded 57 receiving yards.
Osborn re-signed with the Commanders in March of 2025, but didn't make the active roster and was released in August of that year. He signed with the Atlanta Falcons last season and was placed on their practice squad, not appearing in a single regular-season game.
With Osborn, the Titans now have nine receivers on the roster. Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, Wan'Dale Robinson, Bryce Oliver, Hal Presley III, Mason Kinsey, Chimere Dike, Xavier Restrepo and Osborn are now with the team.
If the Titans were getting the same player Obsorn was with the Vikings, it could mean the team would be less likely to draft a receiver like Carnell Tate. However, Obsorn isn't the same player that he once was.
As it stands, the players with the best odds of being taken at No. 4 overall are Jeremiyah Love (+130), David Bailey (+300), Rueben Bain Jr. (+425), Sonny Styles (+600) and Tate (+1200), courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
It'll be interesting to see what role the Titans decide to give Osborn, whether that's as a rotational piece or as a member of the practice squad, but this won't impact whether or not Tennessee drafts a receiver like Tate.
Especially after some recent comments from General Manager Mike Borgonzi on what the Titans' draft strategy will be. Borgonzi said the Titans plan to take the best player available, regardless of position. This is regarding the No. 4 pick and the rest of the draft altogether.
Now, this could point to the Titans taking Jeremiyah Love, but if the Notre Dame running back is taken earlier than expected, Tennessee could make a move on Tate at No. 4 overall.
There's a chance the Titans could take Tate at No. 4 instead, even if Love is available, if they truly believe the Ohio State wideout is the best player on the board at the time.
Adding more depth at receiver is something that the Titans need, with Oliver, Kinsey, Presley, and now Osborn as the reserves.
While Osborn does make the receiver room a little more crowded, it shouldn't deter the franchise from potentially going with a wideout at No. 4 overall.