Commanders QB Jayden Daniels could lose important weapon ahead of 2025 NFL season

Jayden Daniels is looking to build on what the Washington Commanders accomplished last season, and one of the keys to doing so will be keeping the roster at the highest level. Unfortunately for him, he may have to face the upcoming NFL season without one of his most important weapons.

K.J. Osborn entered the league after being selected with the 176th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. After spending four seasons in the NFC North, the wide receiver joined the New England Patriots before eventually landing in Washington. However, his time with Dan Quinn’s team could soon be coming to an end.

According to Bleacher Report journalist Kristopher Knox, Osborn could eventually be released by the franchise in an effort to clear cap space—especially following the arrival of other talents, such as Deebo Samuel.

“Wide receiver K.J. Osborn had three very strong campaigns (1,845 combined receiving yards) with the Minnesota Vikings before he joined the Patriots last offseason,” Knox stated. “However, he failed to make much of a mark in New England and was waived by the Patriots, then claimed by the Washington Commanders.”

K.J. Osborn #17 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“Osborn re-signed with Washington this offseason but is no lock to make the final 53,” he also added. “The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel, drafted Jaylin Lane and could save $740,000 by cutting Osborn before Week 1.”

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NFL News: Commanders sign former Giants player to bolster offensive line for QB Jayden Daniels

Croskey-Merritt: The new weapon for Daniels

The Washington Commanders made the most of the latest NFL Draft with the goal of giving Jayden Daniels a new weapon for his offense. While the arrival of Deebo Samuel is expected to boost a key area of the team, a new running back is set to make his NFL debut after coming out of college football.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt joined Dan Quinn’s team from the Arizona Wildcats and arrives as one of Jayden Daniels’ potential new targets. In a recent conversation with the media, the explosive player shared his thoughts on this new opportunity in his career.

“It’s a lot of vets, a lot of guys that got a lot of respect around the league, and I’m ready to go do the same thing they did,” he said on the Come On Na’ Podcast.

“I’m grown too. I’m a pro too,” Croskey-Merritt also added. “Everybody’s on the same level. I feel like nobody’s going to show sympathy for me because I’m a rookie going in. I gotta go out there and match the talent because it’s a business at the end of the day.”