Entering this offseason, the New England Patriots knew that they had to upgrade the wide receivers around quarterback Drake Maye. They did just that by adding Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, and Mack Hollins through free agency and the NFL draft. At the same time, these acquisitions have resulted in a crowded receiver room.
Needless to say, the receivers have had all the Patriots fans' attention to begin training camp. They entered camp with 12 receivers, but typically, teams carry only five or six during the regular season. At some point, the Patriots must face the difficult decision of which receivers they’ll keep.
One receiver, previously considered a trade piece, has emerged as a lock to make the team. His stellar camp performance continued today against this four-time Pro Bowler.
Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte Got Best of Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore
In their first joint practice with the Washington Commanders, Kayshon Boutte hauled in a tough catch against cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Boutte displayed his contested catch ability against the former Defensive Rookie of the Year on a dot from Maye.
Kayshon Boutte beats Marshon Lattimore for a contested TD from Maye!
— Wolf of Roto Street (@RotoStreetWolf) August 6, 2025
Beautiful throw and catch pic.twitter.com/yKg62AG2EW
Throughout camp, Boutte has earned the majority of the first-team reps at the X spot. Despite the Patriots’ disastrous season, Boutte was one of the few bright spots, recording 43 receptions, 589 yards, and three touchdowns.
Once Maye started to play, the pair quickly established a great connection, with Boutte catching Maye’s first career touchdown. Maye has looked Boutte’s way downfield, and it’s clear he’s earned Maye’s trust.
Even though he showed progression in his development from year one to year two, Boutte’s name appeared in trade talks throughout the offseason. Boutte has quieted these talks with his camp performance, cementing himself as a starter.
Now that Boutte has a competent offensive coordinator in Josh McDaniels, Boutte will only improve. McDaniels knows how to put players in positions to thrive, and having Boutte as the starting X seems to be the right move.
After both his and the team’s performance against the Commanders today, fans should be excited for what’s to come this season. We can expect that the Maye-Boutte downfield connection results in more touchdowns in 2025.