The [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) have to think long and hard about any potential trades they want to make over the next few weeks. With a team that has a chance to win a Super Bowl, there would be absolutely no reason for New England to just trade a player for the sake of doing it.
Even if some players are unhappy, the best plan is for the Patriots to work through it and hope they can salvage some of these relationships.
Kayshon Boutte is the first name that comes to mind in a problem like this, as some have suggested moving on from him for minimal return. According to the latest, though, the Patriots are unlikely to move him for anything less than a fourth-round pick.
“And, given his chemistry with Drake Maye, the Patriots can’t just give him away for a bag of balls if that’s what’s offered.
“They can’t move him for a late-round draft pick. If the Patriots were able to land a player in a position of need (guard, edge rusher, tight end), or secure no less than a fourth-round pick, parting with him becomes more palatable,” Karen Guregian [wrote](https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2026/08/kayshon-boutte-still-looks-like-odd-man-out-of-patriots-receivers-room-karen-guregian.html).
Even a fourth-round pick for a 24-year-old who is coming off a season in which he's caught 33 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 16.7 yards per catch, which ranked fifth in the NFL, seems like way too low a value to even consider.
Perhaps the Patriots are very upset with how he's handled things, but the former LSU standout is better than a fourth-round pick.
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