Kayshon Boutte, in his third season with the Patriots, missed the first two OTA sessions open to media and has been described as “interested” in a trade—setting up a potential reshuffling of the team’s wide receiver room as minicamp approaches.
When New England starts minicamp next week, one wide receiver’s summer absence could end up meaning more than a missed few sessions.
Kayshon Boutte. now in his third season with the Patriots. missed the first two of the team’s OTA sessions that were open to media. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Boutte has also been “interested” in a trade. describing him as a name to watch this summer. “One receiver that I’m expecting something might happen with is Kayshon Boutte. ” Schefter said during an episode of “The Adam Schefter Podcast.” He added. “He has not been there for the offseason program. He has been interested in a trade.”.
Schefter went further about timing, suggesting action could come soon. “I would think that at some point this summer, we may get action there,” he said. “Another deal Kayshon Boutte going somewhere else we’ll see how that works out.”
The Patriots’ message on Boutte has been steady, even warm. Coach Mike Vrabel said he has “a great amount of respect for Kayshon.” Vrabel described watching him “mature and grow through the entire time that we spent together. ” calling that “a credit to Kayshon” and “a credit to [receivers coach] Todd Downing.”.
Vrabel also recalled the conversations he’s had with the receiver: “And just the communication is. ‘Hey. how are you doing?. One, you’re working hard?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I like where I’m working out at.’ ‘Okay. We’ll be here ready to coach you when you’re here.’ That’s been very positive. and I would imagine that he would pick up where he left off and grow on the season that he had last year.”.
Boutte’s situation is complicated by what’s already on the roster and what the offense is expected to do next. The 2023 sixth-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Last season, he finished second on the team in receiving touchdowns with 6 and third in receiving yards with 551. He also made a highlight-reel one-handed touchdown catch during the Patriots’ divisional-round win against the Texans.
Still, the wide receiver room could be in for change as A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs are expected to play major roles. With Brown expected to be Drake Maye’s new go-to option and Doubs also expected to be a key part of the plan. the Patriots could look to adjust their receiving group through the offseason. Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III have been present at OTAs.
Last season, Boutte played 55 percent of the Patriots’ offensive snaps, the second-highest mark among the team’s receivers behind Hollins.
Taken together, the offseason timing and Boutte’s absence are what keep the door open for a move. Next week’s minicamp will be the first real test of whether this is simply a summer detour—or the start of a wider reshaping of the Patriots’ receiving corps.
New England Patriots Kayshon Boutte Adam Schefter Mike Vrabel A.J. Brown Romeo Doubs wide receiver trade minicamp OTAs
So he missed OTAs and now everyone’s like trade?? Patriots actin like it’s Fortnite skins, just swap whoever lol.
I don’t get it—doesn’t Vrabel literally say he has respect and is working out? How is that the same thing as being “interested” in a trade? sounds like spin to me.
This is wild because if he didn’t show up for the offseason, wouldn’t that be more like “discipline” not trade talk. But Schefter’s probably just reading tea leaves. Still… if he’s gone, who even covers X receiver now.
New England always doing the most. They say he’s “mature” and then the next paragraph is “action this summer.” Pick a lane. Also I swear these trade rumors always start when someone misses like 2 practices, like that’s automatically a contract breakup or something.