New Patriots Rumors on Kayshon Boutte's Trade Stance Ahead of NFL Regular Season

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte "would welcome a trade if the right situation presented itself," according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Boutte is in the final year of his rookie contract, and the offseason arrivals of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs have brought more competition for targets.

Karen Guregian of MassLive reported this week the fourth-year pass-catcher "wants to stay, but also knows it might not be in his best interest to remain in New England."

"According to a source, Boutte, seeing the direction the receiver room was headed, requested a trade as far back as April," Guregian reported. "But the Patriots haven't been able to get the best bang for their buck."

Boutte had 76 receptions for 1,140 yards and nine touchdowns between 2024 and 2025, and he emerged as more of a downfield threat last season. His 16.7 yards per catch ranked fourth among qualified players.

The 24-year-old is in a tough spot.

As a member of the Pats receiving corps, he's the No. 2 option at best and could be behind both Brown and Doubs, yet he still provides value to New England's passing game.

Boutte's track record to this point also makes it unlikely a team is going to make an overwhelming offer. Absent that, the Pats don't have a strong incentive to trade him.

Given how much money No. 2 wideouts are making, Boutte can still play his way into a big contract if he performs well in 2026. And it increasingly looks like he'll have to make the most of his current situation.