The latest Kayshon Boutte trade rumors are reaching a breaking point after some comments were made by the newly acquired Romeo Doubs. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Doubs brought up four receivers who helped him transition smoothly into the Patriots, led by QB Drake Maye. Unfortunately, the name that Doubs left out is Boutte. The former sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has been the subject of trade rumors ever since they signed Doubs to a four-year contract. Once the Patriots acquire AJ Brown in a trade next month, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Patriots make him available for a trade.
“Free agent signee Romeo Doubs highlighted Mack Hollins, DeMario ‘Pop’ Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III as receivers who have helped him acclimate to the Patriots’ system through the first four weeks of the voluntary offseason program,” Reiss wrote.
Reiss noted that Boutte has been working out away from the Patriots’ facility, so is he preparing to be traded next month? Maybe so. Boutte was the WR2 for the offense last season, finishing with 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns. Playing alongside former Patriot and free agent Stefon Diggs, Boutte had a bright future in this offense, but once they get Brown, the team will have a logjam in their receiver unit.
Kayshon Boutte Trade Rumors
Main Photo: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Kayshon Boutte Trade Rumors: Romeo Doubs Snub Likely Signals Exit Over $50M Deal
Quite frankly, once Brown joins, he would be the new WR1 while Doubs takes the WR2 slot. This leaves Boutte fighting for a roster spot, and as they’ll have two high-profile receivers on the same depth, they’re unlikely to compensate for his new contract. The Patriots could keep the receiver and allow him to hit the market, but they should entertain a trade while he’s healthy and at the peak of his career.
The team could consider releasing Hollins while trading Douglas. However, there’s no guarantee that they will get much for Douglas. The Patriots are better off letting Boutte join another receiving-needy team. They could receive a solid draft pick while shipping the former LSU product.
Possible Fits
Carolina Panthers
This might be the ideal destination for Boutte before the 2026 season. Despite drafting Chris Brazzell while signing John Metchie this offseason, there’s still a need at the WR position. The Panthers tendered Jalen Coker for at least another year, and if he doesn’t outpace Boutte, the team acquires him; he might be gone. Xavier Legette is already on the hot seat, so this would automatically put him on the trade block.
While the Panthers brought in Brazzell to be the long-term WR3, he could remain as the slot alongside Boutte if acquired. The team has one of the most underrated WR units, especially with Tetairoa McMillan leading the corps. Carolina would probably make the Super Bowl for the first time since the Cam Newton era if they acquire the receiver from New England.
Chicago Bears
The same can be said about the Bears, but after trading DJ Moore to Buffalo, they only have two capable receivers in Luther Burden and Rome Odunze. Even though they added Zavion Thomas in the draft while signing Scotty Miller for depth, the WR3 spot is up for grabs. The team also grabbed Kalif Raymond only because of his familiarity with head coach Ben Johnson.
If the Bears want a deep run in the postseason, they should add Boutte to help Odunze and Burden in the slot and lessen the stress in the aerial attack.
Los Angeles Chargers
If any team needs another established receiver, it’s the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite drafting Brenen Thompson, head coach Jim Harbaugh can’t ignore adding at least a veteran wideout. The team hasn’t entertained bringing back Keenan Allen while they’re rolling it with Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston as their top two options.
Don’t expect the Chargers to make the playoffs with this core group of wideouts. QB Justin Herbert thrives better when he has an established receiver, and Boutte could be the first stepping stone towards that goal.