The New England Patriots are in the middle of a rebuild, leading many to believe they’ll be active sellers by the trade deadline.
They’ve already traded Joshua Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs, but there are two other players that other teams have shown interest in. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, teams have inquired about wide receivers K.J. Osborn and Tyquan Thornton.
“The names I’ve heard they’ve gotten calls on are actually interesting. It’s K.J. Osborn and it’s Tyquan Thornton,” Breer shared on NBC Sports Boston. “I think the reason Thornton has value to teams is because of his speed—it’s something you can’t teach. Coaches look at a player like that and see potential.”
With trade rumors swirling, A to Z Sports interviewed the two receivers about the speculation.
“It’s different. It’s definitely different,” Osborn said. “This is the first time I’ve been in a situation like this, but it’s out of my control.”
He continued, “I’m taking things one day at a time. I’m here, and my focus is on having a good practice each day. Worrying too much about the future or the past can drive you crazy.”
Thornton’s response echoed a similar sentiment. “Just be where my feet are,” he said. “I can’t control it, so that’s all I have to say.”
Osborn also expressed that while rumors are circulating, he’s keeping his focus on the field. “I don’t see a lot of it,” he told A to Z Sports. “Unless my mom calls me with news, I don’t hear much, so there’s not much to think about.”
When asked if he’d like to stay in New England, Osborn responded, “Yeah, I’ve enjoyed my time here. It’s been challenging, and it’s different, but there’s a lot I can’t control.”
Thornton is also viewing the situation as a chance for personal growth. “I feel like I’ve grown a lot,” he said. “Adversity either breaks you or pushes you to break records.”
The trade deadline is set for Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. ET.
