Kayshon Boutte interested in a trade

[Maximum Overkill]

The Patriots have a new wide receiver on the roster in A.J. Brown and there could be another trade involving a wideout in their future.

This one would see a current member of the team heading elsewhere, however.

While on an episode of his podcast after the Brown trade became official, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Kayshon Boutte has been interested in a trade this offseason. Boutte has not been taking part in the team’s voluntary wideouts over the last few weeks.

Boutte is entering the final year of his rookie deal after posting 76 catches for 1,140 yards and nine touchdowns over the last two seasons. The presence of Brown and free agent acquisition Romeo Doubs would seem to lower the odds of the Patriots making another long-term investment in a wideout while also working against Boutte having a big year in New England.

Report: Kayshon Boutte interested in a trade - NBC Sports https://share.google/Kw2Sqcuzgso2A7ZPM

[Maximum Overkill]

I would love to see what he can do as a true #2. I love the talent and think he's been grossly misused in NE. 

[Maximum Overkill]

 

[Ray_T]

22 hours ago, Maximum Overkill said:

 

Honestly I like his potential.

He was a breakout candidate, but now with the addition of AJ I cant see it happening here.   If I were a WR needy team I'd be giving the Pats a call about this guy.   cap wise hes reasonable.   if you can develop and polish his game just a little more, he could be a productive piece in an offense.

a change of scenery might be just what he needs

[Maximum Overkill]

1 minute ago, Ray_T said:

change of scenery might be just what he needs

I certainly hope so, otherwise he's going to be lost in the mix in NE. 

[Ray_T]

4 minutes ago, Maximum Overkill said:

I certainly hope so, otherwise he's going to be lost in the mix in NE. 

for sure.  he wont get nearly as many looks in the offense now.  

odds of a breakout are..... not nearly what they would have been prior to the AJ acquisition.

[TBayXXXVII]

23 hours ago, Maximum Overkill said:

 

 

53 minutes ago, Ray_T said:

Honestly I like his potential.

He was a breakout candidate, but now with the addition of AJ I cant see it happening here.   If I were a WR needy team I'd be giving the Pats a call about this guy.   cap wise hes reasonable.   if you can develop and polish his game just a little more, he could be a productive piece in an offense.

a change of scenery might be just what he needs

If he's smart, he shuts up and plays the year out and maximize his opportunities.  He'll be a free agent at the end of the season.  If that means a 1-year prove-it deal, so be it.  Better than telling the whole league he's a whiner and complainer.

[Maximum Overkill]

It looks like he's gone, unless he's resigned 

"The Patriots have received calls on Boutte and likely will continue to do so," Graziano writes. "And as always, unless and until we see a contract extension, we're justified in wondering whether the player is in the team's long-term plans."

[TBayXXXVII]

1 hour ago, Maximum Overkill said:

It looks like he's gone, unless he's resigned 

"The Patriots have received calls on Boutte and likely will continue to do so," Graziano writes. "And as always, unless and until we see a contract extension, we're justified in wondering whether the player is in the team's long-term plans."

This very well could be the reason why he should've kept his mouth shut.  LOL

We, nor he, has no idea who could be interested.  I mean, odds are, it's not a contending team (or division opponent), so only bad AFC teams like Cleveland, the Raiders, and Tennessee could be the target.  Tennessee may not be terrible though, but it won't be good.  So, he's probably going to the NFC.  What teams need a WR in the NFC, where he wouldn't be the 3rd guy or worse?  Washington?  Atlanta? 

[Ray_T]

2 hours ago, TBayXXXVII said:

 

If he's smart, he shuts up and plays the year out and maximize his opportunities.  He'll be a free agent at the end of the season.  If that means a 1-year prove-it deal, so be it.  Better than telling the whole league he's a whiner and complainer.

agreed.

this is the sort of thing where its better to let the agent do the talking.

He needs to keep working hard to develop his game.

[Ray_T]

19 minutes ago, TBayXXXVII said:

This very well could be the reason why he should've kept his mouth shut.  LOL

We, nor he, has no idea who could be interested.  I mean, odds are, it's not a contending team (or division opponent), so only bad AFC teams like Cleveland, the Raiders, and Tennessee could be the target.  Tennessee may not be terrible though, but it won't be good.  So, he's probably going to the NFC.  What teams need a WR in the NFC, where he wouldn't be the 3rd guy or worse?  Washington?  Atlanta? 

if they move him, the will try to get him out of the conference.    for sure out of the division unless its a huge overpay.

 

[Showboat]

13 minutes ago, Ray_T said:

if they move him, the will try to get him out of the conference.    for sure out of the division unless its a huge overpay.

 

I think it depends on if they could see him being their #3 WR.  If the Pats do not see him as anything more than a WR4 or 5 (or potentially not even making the team) they should be happy to take whatever anyone is offering (especially if they expect him to be disgruntled in that role).    

[Maximum Overkill]

Despite all talent, he doesn't have the draft capital to be too cocky. How often does a WR who's a 6th round pick demand a new contract or trade before they've done anything? 

That being said, I do think he could be pretty productive in the right situation. 

Would Miami or the Raiders take a swing? 

[Ray_T]

5 hours ago, Showboat said:

I think it depends on if they could see him being their #3 WR.  If the Pats do not see him as anything more than a WR4 or 5 (or potentially not even making the team) they should be happy to take whatever anyone is offering (especially if they expect him to be disgruntled in that role).    

if the league only saw him as a WR4 or WR5 there wouldnt be multiiple teams inquiring on his availability.   You might say the same of any player viewed as a typical WR3.

I would suggest he is likely seen as a WR3 who has at least WR2 upside.   possibly more in the right situation.

[Maximum Overkill]

1 minute ago, Ray_T said:

would suggest he is likely seen as a WR3 who has at least WR2 upside.   possibly more in the right situation.

That's kind of how I feel to. I think he's a legit WR3 right now with definite WR2 upside. 

551 and 6 TDs on only 46 targets. 

• High Catch Rate: He boasts a sparkling \(71.7\%\) catch rate, which is incredibly high for a player tasked with such deep routes. [1, 2]
• Explosive YPC: He averaged 16.7 yards per reception (ranking among the top in the league for wide receivers). [1, 2]
• Deep Threat Prowess: Boutte averaged \(15.9\) air yards per target, placing him near the top of the NFL. His Average Depth of Target (aDOT) hovered around 17.5 yards. [1, 2]
• Advanced Metrics: He recorded an elite catch rate over expectation (CROE) and produced a passer rating well over \(130.0\) when targeted, proving his high efficiency in capitalizing on opportunities. [1, 2]
• Go-Route Mastery: He has hauled in the vast majority of his "go route" targets, translating deep shots into significant yardage and multiple touchdowns. [1]

[Ray_T]

3 minutes ago, Maximum Overkill said:

That's kind of how I feel to. I think he's a legit WR3 right now with definite WR2 upside. 

551 and 6 TDs on only 46 targets. 

• High Catch Rate: He boasts a sparkling \(71.7\%\) catch rate, which is incredibly high for a player tasked with such deep routes. [1, 2]
• Explosive YPC: He averaged 16.7 yards per reception (ranking among the top in the league for wide receivers). [1, 2]
• Deep Threat Prowess: Boutte averaged \(15.9\) air yards per target, placing him near the top of the NFL. His Average Depth of Target (aDOT) hovered around 17.5 yards. [1, 2]
• Advanced Metrics: He recorded an elite catch rate over expectation (CROE) and produced a passer rating well over \(130.0\) when targeted, proving his high efficiency in capitalizing on opportunities. [1, 2]
• Go-Route Mastery: He has hauled in the vast majority of his "go route" targets, translating deep shots into significant yardage and multiple touchdowns. [1]

honestly I think hes ready to step into WR2 shoes now.    he had moments last season where he looked the part.

 

[Maximum Overkill]

2 minutes ago, Ray_T said:

honestly I think hes ready to step into WR2 shoes now.    he had moments last season where he looked the part.

 

I agree. I didn't realize how good the metrics really were till now, hahaa. But the the eyeball test is undeniable. He was always open. 

[Super Cubs]

In the right situation he could be a wr 2 but I don't know what the right situation is?

[Ray_T]

1 hour ago, Super Cubs said:

In the right situation he could be a wr 2 but I don't know what the right situation is?

sometimes the right situation is just once hes had enough reps and things just start to click.

a lot of times its mostly about establishing a connection with your starting QB.   sometimes thats hard and sometimes that's easy.

[JagFan]

8,900 is the key data point here.

There is no denying his talent.  He was a stud at LSU with WR1 potential at the NFL level.  However, he lost his first year in the NFL for the 8,900 bets he placed under a fake name before he reached betting age in Louisiana.  Many were college games including LSU games.  Do you know how hard it is to get charged with underaged gambling in a state where you can buy an alcoholic beverage in a styrofoam cup at a drive through, and the age of sexual consent is like 14?  He is where he is right now because of him, and it’s moronic of him not to just be thankful he still has a job in the NFL.  Typical of this generation. 

[Ray_T]

4 minutes ago, JagFan said:

8,900 is the key data point here.

There is no denying his talent.  He was a stud at LSU with WR1 potential at the NFL level.  However, he lost his first year in the NFL for the 8,900 bets he placed under a fake name before he reached betting age in Louisiana.  Many were college games including LSU games.  Do you know how hard it is to get charged with underaged gambling in a state where you can buy an alcoholic beverage in a styrofoam cup at a drive through, and the age of sexual consent is like 14?  He is where he is right now because of him, and it’s moronic of him not to just be thankful he still has a job in the NFL.  Typical of this generation. 

and another thing!  Keep those kids off my lawn!

[Showboat]

12 hours ago, Ray_T said:

if the league only saw him as a WR4 or WR5 there wouldnt be multiiple teams inquiring on his availability.   You might say the same of any player viewed as a typical WR3.

I would suggest he is likely seen as a WR3 who has at least WR2 upside.   possibly more in the right situation.

Yes, but the Patriots have seen him up close for two years (and stats probably don't tell the whole story).  If they can sell him as a WR3 with WR2 upside, but know that he will only fit the Patriots as a disgruntled WR4 or WR5, they shouldn't be overly concerned with dealing him within the conference or even the division (it's good to dump a problem-child on your opponents).  All of the Pats off-season moves suggest that they don't see Boutte as a key contributor, though the strategy may have been to test how he reacts to having some stronger competition - a test he appears to have failed so far.

[Ray_T]

well, when someone brings in an AJ brown and pays him what hes getting.  thats a hard ceiling to your upward potential.   

I am guessing he thought he was going to be the WR1 on this team.

I could see him beating out Doubs for WR2.   it could happen.

but one thing we dont have the luxury of knowing what has been said behind closed doors.   Maybe hes already been told he wont be that high on the depth chart.  if thats the case, I dont blame him for asking to be moved.   The mistake was in leaking this to the world.  Though it is possible that the team leaked it.   These things are always hard to determine. 

I can respect a guy who wants a fair chance to move up the ladder.   if he doesnt feel hes going to be given one, he should be looking at other options.

But..... as noted earlier.....dude is going into the final year of his contract.   no point putting up a big stink.  just work hard and try to earn yourself a contract  here or somewhere else.  nobody wants a diva WR or a bad teammate.   so he should be on his best behaviour.    if as many teams have inquired this offseason, he will most certainly move on with a decent prove it contract for next year.

to put a positive spin on this, AJ is more likely to pull coverage away from him than Diggs was.  not that Diggs is a bad player, but he was also recovering from ACL surgery so what he could actually do was somewhat limited.   so if he can beat out Doubs for #2 I can see him having himself a nice season here.

one last thought

it is also possible that the request to be traded had nothing to do with playing time.   There could be other things at play here.

as to what that could be?   I have no idea.    but it is an idea worth considering.

 

[Nomad99]

Kansas City..........

[Maximum Overkill]

The Pats will probably sign him to a deal to make him the WR2 

[Gepetto]

This is his contract year and the team brought in Doubs and AJ Brown. He's shown enough he should want to be traded out of there to get the targets he needs and deserves.

[Maximum Overkill]

 Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte will reportedly be at Day 1 of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, according to WBZ's Aaron Parseghian, via Dan Roche.

Boutte has spent the offseason away from the team, including skipping out on voluntary organized team activities. There were concerns that he wouldn't appear at minicamp due to the nature of his contract situation. He is currently in the final year of his rookie deal, and his future with the team looked uncertain with the latest additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs

[Maximum Overkill]

Rumors to the Giants. I could definitely see that or Washington. 

[League Champion]

On 6/13/2026 at 8:39 AM, Maximum Overkill said:

Rumors to the Giants. I could definitely see that or Washington. 

Rumors are for Thibodeaux, they are heating up

[Ray_T]

well, I'd like to see him in New England.   hes playing with a good QB.  if he breaks out, he may break out big.

the presence of AJ makes this a lot less likely but not impossible.   and both he and his current starting QB have the talent.   In fact I could see both him and AJ both getting 1000 yards if things fall right.

and I prefer him here as the #2 WR than someplace like Cleveland as the #1 guy.

and even so, he wouldnt likely be the #1 guy out of the gate.  hed still have to earn it.

[League Champion]

Experts are saying it would take a day 3 pick to get Boutte. I would do that in a second if I needed a WR. 

[Showboat]

15 hours ago, League Champion said:

Experts are saying it would take a day 3 pick to get Boutte. I would do that in a second if I needed a WR. 

Buyer beware.  If a team is wiling to give up on a young player who has shown some flashes after for a day-3 pick, I'd be suspicious as a buyer.  I mean, that team has seen said player up close for a couple of years - if he is everything he appears to be why would they dump him for peanuts.

[League Champion]

6 hours ago, Showboat said:

Buyer beware.  If a team is wiling to give up on a young player who has shown some flashes after for a day-3 pick, I'd be suspicious as a buyer.  I mean, that team has seen said player up close for a couple of years - if he is everything he appears to be why would they dump him for peanuts.

He's definitely a bit of a head case but what talented WR isn't? He was caught up in a major gambling scandal in college and other stuff. 

He's no angel

[Ray_T]

On 6/18/2026 at 8:33 AM, Showboat said:

Buyer beware.  If a team is wiling to give up on a young player who has shown some flashes after for a day-3 pick, I'd be suspicious as a buyer.  I mean, that team has seen said player up close for a couple of years - if he is everything he appears to be why would they dump him for peanuts.

It could also be a case where, do you want to keep a player on your team who is unhappy or dissatisfied.

I'm with League champion.  if I was a GM and needed a WR2/3 Boutte is a guy I'd target at that price.   Then I'd just be honest with the guy... I'd say... you need to prove you deserve the WR2 job.    so go out and win it.  Show us you deserve it and you will get it.    

but the good news is if I'm wrong and the guy turns into a dud, a day 3 pick isnt a terrible risk when you consider the potential upside to the player.

[Showboat]

50 minutes ago, Ray_T said:

It could also be a case where, do you want to keep a player on your team who is unhappy or dissatisfied.

I'm with League champion.  if I was a GM and needed a WR2/3 Boutte is a guy I'd target at that price.   Then I'd just be honest with the guy... I'd say... you need to prove you deserve the WR2 job.    so go out and win it.  Show us you deserve it and you will get it.    

but the good news is if I'm wrong and the guy turns into a dud, a day 3 pick isnt a terrible risk when you consider the potential upside to the player.

Makes sense, and since Boutte has flashed, there is probably at least one team who thinks they can get him to realize his full potential.  I'm sure the Pats would be thrilled to get anything they can for him.  A day 3 pick is not a huge risk, but giving that up reduces future flexibility as such picks are often used as a sweetener to finalize a deal (thinking of the recent A.J. Brown trade) and plenty of day 3 picks develop into serviceable players.  I'd still be leery of taking on someone else's problem child. 

[Ray_T]

A lot of people go with the third year WR theory.   many WR (for whatever reason) seem to breakout in year 3.  I know hes played 3 years, but his first year was basically a red shirt year.    I'd argue this is basically his third year of actually playing at the NFL level.

so I'd say he still has considerable upside and is likely on the cusp of a breakout if he can get into a good situation.

so yeah, I'd be inclined to pay a Day 3 pick all day long if the other ingredients needed for him to be successful are there.

those ingredients:   solid QB with good O line.    Decent coach/playcalling

and in his case a #1 WR who is good enough to keep the top cover guy off of him (or to keep him from getting double covered)

[Showboat]

4 minutes ago, Ray_T said:

A lot of people go with the third year WR theory.   many WR (for whatever reason) seem to breakout in year 3.  I know hes played 3 years, but his first year was basically a red shirt year.    I'd argue this is basically his third year of actually playing at the NFL level.

 That's very old-school from a time when rookie receivers rarely started - if they didn't work their way into the starting lineup by year 3, it likely wouldn't ever happen.  I thought most gave up on the 3rd year WR theory 20 years ago. 

[League Champion]

And lets not forget about the talent. If not for the gambling scandal in college he would of been one of the first WRs selected that year. 

We all know how Vrabel has no idea how to use WRs. Besides AJ in Tennessee, did he produce any 1000 yards WRs?

He was grossly misused IMO. 

[Showboat]

3 hours ago, League Champion said:

And lets not forget about the talent. If not for the gambling scandal in college he would of been one of the first WRs selected that year. 

We all know how Vrabel has no idea how to use WRs. Besides AJ in Tennessee, did he produce any 1000 yards WRs?

He was grossly misused IMO. 

For the record, Diggs was a 1000-yard receiver in 2025.

But I get the point - teams will put up with a lot from a player who has flashed any talent, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Boutte get a chance from another team.  I just think that if the Pats are willing to give him away cheaply, that would raise some red flags for me.  As Ray suggested, Boutte could certainly turn it around in good situation - I think a lot of teams may over-estimate how good their situation is for him.  On the flip-side, maybe this is all a ploy by the Pats to see how he responds - maybe he sucks it up and lays all out on the field to compete with Doubs for #2.  If he continues to pout and play the disgruntled diva, I can see the Pats dumping him for whatever they can get.

[Ray_T]

10 hours ago, Showboat said:

 That's very old-school from a time when rookie receivers rarely started - if they didn't work their way into the starting lineup by year 3, it likely wouldn't ever happen.  I thought most gave up on the 3rd year WR theory 20 years ago. 

There are still a lot of WR that break out in year 3.

most of the elite ones are NFL ready in year 1 but lots still take a couple of years to adapt to the NFL game.