After the New England Patriots traded for A.J. Brown, one name that some thought could be on the way out was Kayshon Boutte. Last week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Boutte was "interested in a trade".
This comes after Boutte was absent for the Patriots' voluntary minicamp. Heading into the season, Boutte is in the final year of his rookie contract. Boutte has shown his worth, with his production increasing each year.
With the Patriots' mandatory minicamp starting on Tuesday, June 9, and ending on June 11, we got some answers regarding the status of Boutte.
Kayshon Boutte clears the air on his status
Boutte has arrived back in Massachusetts and stated that he is prepared to attend the Patriots' mandatory minicamp in an interview with WBZ's Dan Roche.
In that interview, the LSU product also opened up about trade speculation and discussed how he hoped to remain in New England "for the rest of my career."
"I want to be in New England for the rest of my career. I will say," Boutte said. "I enjoy it out here, been out here for three years. Every day I'm here, I call this home. This is my new home. Grew up in Louisiana, stayed there 20 years, but now Boston is my life."
This is reassuring to hear, as Boutte was one of the Patriots' best pass-catchers last season and has developed great chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye. With Stefon Diggs no longer on the team, keeping Boutte would also benefit Drake Maye. While the Patriots now have Brown and have signed Romeo Doubs in free agency, Boutte could be the perfect fit alongside them as the third receiver.
The Patriots' receiver room may be crowded, but if the Patriots are able to, they shouldn't look to move Boutte unless he wants out.
Kayshon Boutte can complement the Patriots' other receivers
Following the additions of Brown and Doubs, those two should be expected to be the top two receiving options for this season. Doubs should look to take over Diggs' role in the slot this season, while Brown will be on the outside in the role that Boutte occupied last season.
For the third spot, it would most likely come down to Boutte and Mack Hollins. Hollins impressed last season, especially in the run game, but the 24-year-old is the better of the two as a receiver. Boutte also isn't bad as a run blocker either. It would make the most sense to split time between them and let both see a good amount of snaps.
By doing this, you should also help reduce the chance of injury for them, which would significantly help the Patriots in the team's pursuit of another Super Bowl win.
A lot can change from now until the beginning of the season, but as of right now, Boutte is still on the team and seemingly wants to stay. Hopefully, for the Patriots and Boutte, they can work out a new contract for the future.
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