The Patriots are open to trading wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, according to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, among other players from the previous coaching staff. A nugget emerged regarding Boutte’s availability earlier this week, and it now seems the Pats are shopping him.
Boutte was the Patriots’ sixth-round pick in 2023 after a somewhat disappointing career at LSU. He only saw seven targets as a rookie but emerged as the team’s WR2 in 2024, snaring 43 receptions for 589 yards. However, he had expressed frustration about his role midway through last season. With the Pats adding Stefon Diggs and likely interested in further bolstering the position in the draft, it makes sense they would shop Boutte.
The former high-end recruit may not fit into the long term vision for New England’s offense under new head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. As McDaniels prepares for his third tour of duty as the Pats’ OC, he will have a slightly less jumbled receiving corps to coach.
New England has been unable to connect on a high-level receiver investment in recent years, famously struggling in the early rounds of the draft. After waiving former second-rounder Tyquan Thornton, the Pats only saw 2024 second-round choice Ja’Lynn Polk contribute 12 receptions for 87 yards as a rookie. In addition to Diggs, the Pats also added ex-McDaniels Raiders pupil Mack Hollins in free agency.
Still rostering McDaniels 2.0-era signee Kendrick Bourne, the Pats saw Demario Douglas finish behind only Hunter Henry in receiving yards. A 2023 sixth-round pick like Boutte, Douglas posted 621 yards and three touchdowns in Drake Maye‘s debut. Two seasons remain on Boutte’s rookie contract; the Pats would save nearly $1MM by trading him. It will be interesting to hear what other pre-Vrabel players the Pats are dangling.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.