Andrew Buller-Russ
After months of NFL trade rumors, the New England Patriots finally got their guy, landing A.J. Brown via trade. The three-time Pro Bowler’s arrival comes after the Patriots already made a free-agent splash, inking Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract.
By adding Brown and Doubs, it effectively closes the door on the potential return of Stefon Diggs. Their arrivals may also signal the departure of another receiver from the roster.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, receiver Kayshon Boutte has become “interested in a trade” from New England.
“One wide receiver I’m still suspecting that something might happen with is Kayshon Boutte. He has not been there for the offseason program. He has been interested in a trade. I would think that at some point this summer we may get action there. Another deal, Kayshon Boutte going somewhere else. We’ll see how that works out.”
Adam Schefter on Kayshon Boutte
Boutte is headed into the final season of his rookie contract with the Patriots. Yet, he’s not expected to be a top-three receiver on the Patriots’ depth chart, which makes it understandable that he’d want a trade.
The 24-year-old arrived as the 187th pick in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. After struggling to see the field as a rookie, finishing with two receptions for 19 yards, Boutte enjoyed breakout seasons in the past two years.
He posted a career-high 589 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 and managed to maintain that success by recording 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns in 2025.
While Boutte finished with the second-most receiving yards among receivers (tight end Hunter Henry and receiver Stefon Diggs had more) on the Patriots, Mack Hollins saw 13 more targets, and he’s expected to resume his role as the WR3 in New England this season.
The Patriots shouldn’t have any problems getting at least the original return on their investment, a sixth-round pick, in return for trading Boutte, and there are always teams looking to improve their weaponry.
Related: New England Patriots Player Suffers ‘Devastating, Awful Injury’
