Kayshon Boutte is still a member of the New England Patriots, but the former sixth-round pick could switch teams before the start of the season. Selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the LSU product didn’t do much as a rookie but quickly established himself as a key part of New England’s passing attack. After catching just two passes for 19 yards in his inaugural campaign, the wideout recorded a respectable 43 receptions for 589 yards and three touchdowns with a rookie Drake Maye in 2024. He put up similar numbers in 2025, finishing with 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns while helping New England reach the Super Bowl.
Nobody would argue that Kayshon Boutte is a Hall of Fame talent, but it’s clear that he belongs in the NFL and could carve out a role for himself on just about any team. Now entering the final year of his contract, New England reportedly tried to shop him during the 2026 NFL Draft. While nothing came to fruition, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer suggests the team is still open to moving the wide receiver, and could take a fifth- or sixth-round selection for his services.
“Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte, I think, could be had for a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick right now, if anyone has interest in him.”
Patriots Could Trade Kayshon Boutte If They Get A.J. Brown
Breer’s wording suggests there isn’t much of a market for Kayshon Boutte, and you can see why. While he is a solid player, he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal, and New England almost certainly won’t extend him. While he could help out a team in 2026, he won’t singlehandedly win football games for anyone. With this in mind, why would anyone trade a draft pick for a player they’ll need to extend when they can just wait a season and get him in free agency?
For the time being, it appears as though Kayshon Boutte will remain with the Patriots. However, the A.J. Brown trade could complicate matters. New England doesn’t have a legitimate WR1 on the roster right now, but just about everyone knows that the Patriots will trade for Brown at some point after June 1st. What they don’t know is what the Patriots will surrender to get him.
While some rumors indicate a 2028 first-round pick will get the job done, perhaps the Eagles would be willing to accept a second-round pick and Kayshon Boutte. While Philadelphia loaded up on receivers like first-round pick Makai Lemon and former Green Bay Packer Dontayvion Wicks, there’s always room for more pass-catching talent on Howie Roseman’s squad, and Boutte’s ability to win on the outside should pair well with quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Potential Reunion?
If the Patriots trade Kayshon Boutte, it could open up a roster spot for Stefon Diggs. Signed to what was effectively a one-year deal, the former All-Pro proved he could lead a passing attack during his lone year in New England. While he wasn’t the unstoppable force he used to be, he still finished the season with an impressive 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns on 102 targets. With his help, Drake Maye finished second in the MVP voting, and the Patriots reached the Super Bowl just one year after going 4-13.
New England released Diggs thanks to his high cap hit and pending legal issues, but both sides parted on good terms, and Diggs has hinted at a reunion. The Patriots probably won’t have the roster space for him if they keep Brown and Kayshon Boutte, but he’d be the perfect WR2 if they send Boutte to the Eagles.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images
