Boutte did not want to “go through the same s–t” again in his second season.
Kayshon Boutte failing to make the New England Patriots’ roster in 2024 would not have come as too big of a surprise just a few months ago. Not only was he a former late-round draft choice who had shown little during his rookie campaign, he also was facing an uncertain legal situation following an offseason arrest.
Fast forward to today, and Boutte finds himself in a drastically different spot. Heading into the upcoming Week 8 game against the New York Jets, the 22-year-old has established himself as a starter-level wide receiver for the Patriots.
What had happened? Besides seeing his illegal betting charges get dropped, Boutte also managed to steadily climb up the depth chart into the top outside receiver spot.
In doing so, he followed through on a promise he had made to himself after his underwhelming 2023 season.
“Obviously, last year, as we probably all know, I got sidelined after the first game — Eagles — by Bill Belichick,” Boutte explained on Wednesday. “So, just coming back this season I sat with Coach [Jerod] Mayo and I was like, ‘I refuse to go through the same s–t I did last year.’”
One of two wide receivers selected by the Patriots in last year’s draft, Boutte’s 2023 went differently than that of fellow rookie DeMario Douglas. Whereas the latter ended the year as New England’s most productive wide receiver, the former saw action in just five games and finished with only two receptions for 19 yards.
At least early on, though, the Patriots were willing to gave him opportunities. However, Boutte was unable to reel any of his four targets in during the season opener against Philadelphia — including a critical fourth down that was ruled incomplete after he failed to get both of his feet down in bounds.
That play ended up being Boutte’s last for two months. Afterwards, he was made a game day inactive for 12 out of New England’s 16 remaining games.
The experience left a lasting impression on the LSU product, and laid the foundation for his emergence in Year 2. Seven weeks into the season, he already has outperformed his rookie totals by catching eight passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. Four of those receptions for 92 yards and that score came since Drake Maye took over as quarterback in Week 6.
“Honestly, just my mindset shifted knowing that I want to be on the field, one of those type players,” Boutte said. “That’s kind of where I’m at in my career.”