Matt Johnson
The New England Patriots are expected to acquire All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown next month in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. It would seemingly open the door for fellow wideout Kayshon Boutte, to be dealt.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared his belief that Boutte could be acquired by any interested team for a “fifth- or sixth-round draft pick” as of now and that’s if there’s interest in him.
- Kayshon Boutte stats (2025): 33 receptions, 551 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns and 16.7 yards per reception
Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is coming off consecutive seasons with 500-plus receiving yards. He proved to be a reliable deep threat for quarterback Drake Maye this past season, averaging a career-high 16.7 yards per reception with the fifth-highest average target distance (17.0 yards).
The 24-year-old’s youth and contract certainly make him an attractive trade target. While he would be just a one-year rental, Boutte’s $3.72 million cap hit in 2026 ranks 66th among receivers. It puts him around the same range as the likes of Tyquan Thornton, Andrei Iosivas, and Xavier Hutchinson.
However, there’s no viable path to a featured role in the Patriots offense once Brown is acquired. Romeo Doubs was signed to be the No. 2 receiver and the club is still high on Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams.
Boutte’s name had previously popped up in NFL trade rumors, with some belief that he could be sent to Philadelphia as part of a trade package for Brown. However, the Eagles seem set at wide receiver with DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Moore.
If a one-year rental of Boutte costs a Day 3 pick, he could be an intriguing option for teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants and Washington Commanders.
