The New England Patriots reportedly have a new trade candidate on their hands as WR Kayshon Boutte has been a name brought up in the latest rumor. Jordan Schultz on X said Boutte could be on the trade block, especially after signing Romeo Doubs this offseason. The Patriots haven’t explicitly stated that the New England receiver is available, but with the emergence of Brown and Doubs, it’s fair to wonder what the future holds for Boutte. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract and just came off a breakout season, hauling in 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns.
However, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Patriots move on from at least one receiver during the NFL Draft. The team has completely overhauled the receiver unit, releasing Stefon Diggs after one season. One can note Boutte’s frustrations in 2024, when he voiced his concerns about getting the football.
A name that has come up in trade talks is #Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte, who is entering the final year of his contract, according to multiple league sources.
With Romeo Doubs coming in and the eventual AJ Brown trade, teams believe he could be available for the right price. pic.twitter.com/72kYySVxKL
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 20, 2026
Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte Named Trade Candidate “Could Be Available” During NFL Draft
There’s also the possibility that the Patriots are including Boutte in a trade package for Brown. New England isn’t slowing down to elevate the offensive pass-attack for QB Drake Maye. Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former LSU product is expected to generate plenty of interest. Boutte arguably has more trade value than DeMario Douglas, but is it worth trading Boutte?
That’s the biggest question for the Patriots now this offseason. The Patriots could keep him as a slot route-runner, but the team could revisit a trade before the deadline if frustrations mount. New England will at least listen, and if the Eagles don’t get him, here are three teams that could grab him.
Other Possible Suitors
Dallas Cowboys
If there’s interest, the Dallas Cowboys should be a team to keep tabs on Boutte. The team needs a solid slot receiver, but it won’t mean they’ll give up a first-round pick. However, they need another receiver to stabilize the pass-attack for Dak Prescott. The Cowboys lost Jalen Tolbert, and despite the team having Ryan Flournoy, he might not be ready just yet.
Boutte is on fire, and the Cowboys could use that even though George Pickens is there for that reason. He might be able to thrive in a unit behind Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, which would likely turn Dallas into a superteam for a potential Super Bowl run.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers are another team that needs a receiver. Xavier Legette is coming off back-to-back disastrous campaigns with the team, but Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan are the top guns for the offense. The Panthers trading for Boutte makes perfect sense, as it gives Bryce Young another weapon to lean on in the slot route. He might be able to take place over Coker as a WR2 and get this team to appear in the NFC Championship Game.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are considered the dark horse for Boutte’s services as the team traded DJ Moore this offseason. The team has the length in Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, but they need a speedster to help Caleb Williams. Boutte might be the perfect playmaker replacement for the Bears’ offense.
