With the Brandon Aiyuk messy situation behind them, the Washington Commanders may finally land a new wide receiver in the latest NFL rumors projection before Week 1. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes the Commanders should turn the page and target New England Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte during NFL Training Camp. While it makes sense on paper given the need to surround QB Jayden Daniels with high-stakes playmakers, they already have a logjam in the wideout room. Earlier this offseason, Washington added receivers Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson for depth while still having Terry McLaurin and Luke McCaffrey as their top primary pass-catchers.
However, to analyze further, it’s fair to wonder why Boutte could be a fit for this offense. Last year, Washington brought in Deebo Samuel to fill in as a WR2 behind McLaurin, but the team has yet to find a long-term option. Could the Patriots receiver finally solve the Commanders’ issues in the pass-attack? Of course, Boutte has the versatility and hands and is still youthful in his career, so he’d be an excellent fit.
At the same time, the Commanders are already loaded at the WR position. If Washington wants to trade for a receiver, they’d have to give up a few things offensively.
NFL Rumors: Commanders, Patriots Connected in Bold $4M Proposal
Pending Washington Releases?
It’s highly unlikely, but the Commanders may need to force a release for one of their pass-catchers before Week 1. Jefferson could be cut while Jaylin Lane goes on the practice squad. It already sounds outrageous, which is why this trade proposal by Moton might not make much sense. Why would the Commanders sign Jefferson and bring back Brown if they aren’t planning to elevate them behind McLaurin and McCaffrey?
They also drafted Antonio Williams this year, who plans to get some starting reps. The Commanders are in good shape, so unless a major injury happens, the Boutte trade might have to wait until the deadline right before the postseason. At that stage, the Patriots would probably be 8-1, and any unloading of their talent wouldn’t make sense unless the Commanders materialize a massive draft package for the receiver.
Given that, if the Commanders want the Patriots’ WR, they should get him now. Here are three other likely teams looking to add the receiver before Week 1.
Other Possible Suitors
Los Angeles Chargers
After Ladd McConkey, the Los Angeles Chargers have one of the worst pass-catching units in the league. The team has to pull the trigger on a WR trade before Week 1. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh can’t afford to allow QB Justin Herbert to walk into this season without any exclusive playmakers. Keenan Allen likely won’t return, which means it opens up the opportunity for a trade to pump the brakes for a new receiver.
The Chargers drafted Brenen Thompson, but with KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris, will any of these pass-catchers get them to the Super Bowl? Definitely not. Boutte coming in would be like a fresh breath of air this offense needs.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints are still in rebuild mode, but entering Week 1, WR1 Chris Olave is still without a new contract. While there shouldn’t be any worry, they should be looking to add a WR3. New Orleans drafted Jordyn Tyson in hopes he turns into another Olave this season. DeVaughn Vele is solid, but he definitely needs help in the slot.
Boutte coming in to save this offense would be a no-brainer, especially for QB Tyler Shough starting his first full season as a starter.
Los Angeles Rams
It’s highly unlikely the Patriots would allow their pass-catcher to join the Rams after the team looks to be shaping up for the Super Bowl. However, it’s not impossible. Davante Adams is entering what could be his final season, but was close to being traded. Puka Nacua needs better support in the aerial attack, and Boutte could be the perfect long-term solution the team has been looking for in this offense.
