The New England Patriots added A.J. Brown through trade on Monday, and they may be comfortable trading away one of their other receivers now.
Kayshon Boutte has been working out away from the team this offseason and has not appeared at voluntary OTAs. On Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that Boutte is "interested" in a trade. Boutte is in a contract year, and with A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs in front of him on the depth chart, he will likely have a smaller role than last year.
“One wide receiver I’m still suspecting that something might happen with is Kayshon Boutte," Schefter said. "He has not been there for the offseason program. He has been interested in a trade. I would think that at some point this summer, we may get action there. Another deal, Kayshon Boutte, going somewhere else. We’ll see how that works out.”
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton named Boutte as the player the Patriots should most be looking to trade before the season starts.
"With Brown on the roster, Boutte is a No. 3 wide receiver at best," wrote Moton on Tuesday. "He's unlikely to build on a solid 2025 campaign, in which he caught 33 passes for 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns. Entering a contract year with ascending receiving numbers, Boutte could attract multiple trade suitors."
If Boutte wants to get paid as a free agent, he needs to play on a team where he will be one of the top targets. Right now, he is competing with Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas and Kyle Williams for targets behind Doubs and Brown. That does not even include targets that Hunter Henry may see over him.
Boutte had 551 yards in 14 games last season. He has just 46 targets, so that number figures to go down now. His absence from OTAs is a clear indicator that he may not be happy. The good news for the Patriots is that he is a talented player, so finding a trade partner may not be difficult.
More NFL: Kayshon Boutte Reportedly Seeking Patriots Trade After A.J. Brown Acquisition