Coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the New England Patriots have had a very loud offseason. From head coach Mike Vrabel being part of an off-field controversy to the team making one of the biggest trades of the offseason by acquiring former Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown, it’s been one to remember for Patriots fans.
With the acquisition of Brown and the signing of Romeo Doubs in free agency, another wide receiver on the roster has fallen out of favor.
WR Kayshon Boutte May Be on His Way out of New England
During New England’s incredible 2025 season, the WR group was considered one of the team’s weaknesses. Still, Stefon Diggs, the WR1 who is still available in free agency, ended up having a 1,000-yard season, and the Patriots’ WR2, Boutte, had a quietly great year. It wasn’t close to what Diggs did, and Boutte only played 14 games, but when the Patriots needed him most, he showed up and made big plays.
Still, with the additions of Brown and Doubs, Boutte is set to drop back in the depth chart a bit. Also, with the Patriots having other young WRs on the roster, the 24-year-old receiver suddenly becomes a potential trade candidate.
Boutte’s name has been a part of trade rumors this offseason, and Patriots reporter Karen Guregian believes that the young WR may end up on another team:
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“Boutte wants to stay, but also knows it might not be in his best interest to remain in New England, especially if his role is diminished with Brown and Doubs now in the fold and his chance to put up better numbers falls by the wayside,” Guregian wrote. “He’s in the final year of his rookie deal. Understandably, he’s looking for that payday.”
“He’d be in position to get that with Maye throwing him the football, but he might not get much of a chance this season playing behind Brown and Doubs,” she added.
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As Guregian noted above, there are several reasons it makes sense for Boutte to leave and for the Patriots to get something for him before he becomes a free agent. But she believes the Patriots’ price does not match what the league is offering, and New England should hold off for now:
“One report suggested the most the Patriots could get in return was a fifth or sixth-round pick,” Guregian revealed. “That’s not good enough. It would be crazy to just give him away. If they’re going to deal him, the Patriots should be blown away by the return.”
For a fifth or sixth-round pick, the Patriots should never make that deal, as said. Guregian also said that, for the time being, it seems Boutte will be on the roster unless a team improves its offer.
A trio of Boutte, Brown (who was the 12th overall WR in PFN’s WR Impact Metric last season), and Doubs (29th in 2025) is one of the best in the NFL and could wreak havoc with the ball being thrown by Drake Maye. The Patriots may lose out on getting something for Boutte, but the success may be worth it.
