“There’s 12 of us. At the end of the day, there will probably be six of us if we’re [being] honest.”
FOXBORO — The New England Patriots’ wide receiver room is buzzing with competition this offseason, and one name that’s been at the center of trade speculation is Kayshon Boutte. The third-year wideout, who emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster Patriots offense in 2024, has found himself in the midst of trade rumors as the team reshapes its roster under new head coach Mike Vrabel. But Boutte’s response to these rumors? A bold dismissal that’s turning heads in Foxboro.
“I heard about it, but I tried not to really put too much time into that,” Boutte said after a recent organized team activities (OTA) practice. “You know, there’s just a lot of people sitting behind phones and just typing. It’s got nothing really to do with me.”
This candid, almost defiant reaction from the 23-year-old LSU product underscores his focus on what he can control: his performance on the field. Boutte’s confidence is rooted in a breakout 2024 season, where he recorded 43 catches for 589 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games, a significant leap from his quiet rookie year in 2023. His chemistry with rookie quarterback Drake Maye was evident, highlighted by a 28-yard touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills and a 40-yard score against the Houston Texans, marking some of the most electrifying moments for the Patriots’ offense last season.
However, the Patriots’ wide receiver depth chart has become increasingly crowded. The team added veteran pass-catchers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency, along with third-round draft pick Kyle Williams and undrafted free agent Efton Chism, who has impressed early in OTAs. With established players like DeMario Douglas and Kendrick Bourne also in the mix, and 2024 second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk still vying for a spot despite a disappointing rookie season, Boutte’s roster spot is far from guaranteed.
Trade rumors surrounding Boutte began circulating before the 2025 NFL Draft, with reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer labeling him as a potential trade chip. NFL insider Jordan Schultz also noted Boutte as a “name to watch” as the Patriots looked to move players from the previous coaching regime. Speculation even linked Boutte to teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers, with analysts suggesting his youth, affordability, and proven production could make him an attractive trade target.
Despite the noise, Boutte remains unfazed. His comments reflect a maturity that wasn’t always evident earlier in his career. Once a highly touted high school recruit ranked as the No. 24 overall prospect in the 2020 class, Boutte’s journey has been marked by highs and lows. A stellar freshman season at LSU (45 receptions, 735 yards, five touchdowns) was followed by an ankle injury that derailed his sophomore year, and off-field issues, including a 2022 gambling arrest that was later dropped, raised questions about his maturity.
But Boutte’s work ethic has noticeably improved, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike. “He took an energy shift,” said fellow wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. “He’s so locked in. He knows the playbook really well.” Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt highlighted Boutte’s route-running ability, ball skills, and knack for separating in man coverage, noting, “I can’t even remember a drop he’s had in our time together.” Head coach Mike Vrabel also pointed to Boutte’s improved conditioning as a key factor in his bid for a roster spot. “I think that he’s gotten in better shape as we started to go on to the OTAs, and that’s really started to help him as we stack plays together,” Vrabel said.
Boutte’s focus is now on building his connection with Drake Maye and proving his worth in a competitive receiver room. “(Last season, I had) 589 yards, three touchdowns. Everybody’s got goals on being 1,000-yard receivers and stuff like that, but it starts with days like this,” Boutte said. “Just working with the team, getting on the same path as Drake. As long as we’re on the same page, everything else will take care of itself.”
While the trade rumors may have been a wake-up call for Boutte, as some speculate they were motivational in nature, he’s channeling his energy into proving doubters wrong. His 75 percent success rate in contested catch situations and physicality as a run blocker—evident in key blocks on Rhamondre Stevenson’s touchdown runs—demonstrate his value beyond just catching passes.
As the Patriots head into the 2025 season, Boutte’s future remains uncertain, but his response to the trade rumors shows a player determined to carve out his place in New England. Whether he stays with the Patriots or finds a new home, Boutte’s talent and newfound focus make him a player to watch. For now, he’s tuning out the noise and letting his play do the talking.