The Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders are among the notable names that could be on the lookout for wide receiver help. While the Commanders struggled due to injuries, the Raiders were completely flatlined because of a bad roster. Ahead of the 2026 season, there’s one player who could very well provide the needed help.
Deep Threat Kayshon Boutte Would Bolster Raiders or Commanders WR Room
The Raiders’ one season under Pete Carroll was marred by inefficiency. The defense leaked like an old tap, and the offense looked even worse, finishing the season with a 56.3 PFSN Offense Impact score, the second-worst in the league.
The Commanders, meanwhile, endured the injury woes of quarterback Jayden Daniels. The offense never got going, and the defense finished around the bottom of the league in points allowed, with 26.5 per game.
With a clean slate ahead of the 2026 campaign, both teams have a chance to start over with stronger rosters. One of the ways ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes Vegas and Washington could improve is by acquiring the services of Kayshon Boutte, who has scored nine total touchdowns in his career.
“Boutte has been productive in a part-time role for the Patriots, catching nine touchdowns over the past two seasons,” he wrote. “He turned 24 last month. The 2023 sixth-round pick has just one year left on his contract at $3.674 million, and the acquisitions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs might just make things too crowded in New England’s wide receiver room.”
The Raiders have a couple of offensive stars, namely running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers. Beyond them, however, there’s not much to show for. The wide receiver room is led by a career depth player, Jalen Nailor, which leaves plenty of room for a young player like Boutte to swoop in and claim the WR1 role.
The Commanders, on the other hand, aren’t looking for a WR1, as Terry McLaurin has already locked down the role in his rookie year of 2019. However, without a star at tight end, the offense could use another depth piece like Boutte, who averaged 16.7 yards per reception last season.
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“The Patriots have received calls on Boutte and likely will continue to do so,” Graziano added. “And as always, unless and until we see a contract extension, we’re justified in wondering whether the player is in the team’s long-term plans. The Raiders and Commanders stand out as two teams that could still use help at wide receiver.”
Vegas is arguably under more pressure to secure Boutte’s services than Washington. The Raiders are trying to establish a firm foundation for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza to develop, and that starts with building a solid receiving corps.
