In a recent appearance for NBC Sports Boston, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated said he expects that the New England Patriots will trade Kayshon Boutte at some point.
“They’ve tried to do their best to find a new home for [Kayshon Boutte]. I’ve said it before, if somebody called them with a fifth-round pick over draft weekend, he’s gone. Those offers just weren’t there. I do think eventually he’s gonna be somewhere else," Breer said.
The #Patriots plan has been “to do right by Kayshon Boutte” as they look for a trade partner, per @AlbertBreer.
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) July 15, 2026
“They’ve tried to do their best to find a new home for him. I’ve said it before, if somebody called them with a fifth-round pick over draft weekend, he’s gone. Those… pic.twitter.com/GSykmQFp7a
After the Patriots traded for A.J. Brown, it's fair to wonder what Boutte's future in New England looks like, if he even has one. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract and is due for a nice payday. Brown entering the mix could stunt Boutte's development, and it might be tough to justify giving him a new contract when he's not going to be their No. 1 guy anymore (and he could, in theory, go somewhere else and potentially become that guy), and they have another young receiver in Kyle Williams, who could be a big part of their future.
But unless the deal is too good to be true, the Patriots should keep the LSU alum around.
Kayshon Boutte has become a real asset in New England
Boutte has quickly become an important part of the Patriots' offense, and he has become one of Drakye Maye's favorite targets (caught his first career NFL touchdown, caught the game-sealing touchdown against the Houston Texans in the divisional round last season, and he was second on the team with six receiving touchdowns in 2025 -- Hunter Henry had seven).
In a receiving room that has already gone through some big changes this offseason (added Brown and Romeo Doubs, lost Stefon Diggs), it's important for a young quarterback like Maye to have some continuity. Boutte provides that not only for next season, but for the long-term as well.
Boutte can also excel opposite Brown, who should open up the field for every other receiver because of his gravity. So even though he won't be New England's top deep threat anymore, the Louisiana native could actually be in for the next season of his career because of it.
And on top of all of that, Boutte has already made it clear he wants to stay in New England. Assuming that's true, the Patriots should oblige that. He can play, and he has gradually improved each season. He's also just 24 years old and still has a ton of time to grow.
If the Patriots get an offer that's too good to refuse, or if something changes between now and the start of the season, then it would make sense to trade Boutte. But as it stands, he wants to stay in New England, and New England should reciprocate that feeling.
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