It was only a matter of time before the Patriots finally got a trade done with the Eagles for wide receiver AJ Brown this offseason, and now that it has officially been announced, there are a lot of stories that will inevitably create headlines in the next few days and weeks.
Among the most fascinating is the future of Kayshon Boutte in New England, mostly because he's set to play on the final year of his contract, and many analysts believe he will be the odd man out of the 2026 offense with Brown joining the receiving corps.
Reports have revealed that Boutte hasn't been at the facility much this offseason, prompting many rumors that he knows he's being traded. It's the unfortunate reality that feels inevitable at this point, and it's somewhat disappointing, given just how good he has become for the Patriots' offense.
He took on a much bigger role last season, even with Stefon Diggs taking over the WR1 vacancy, and proved beyond any doubt that he was the real deal. In a normal offseason, that would be much more significant, but for the Patriots, they've had their eyes on Brown for months, pushing Boutte down the depth chart.
Kayshon Boutte will likely play for a different team during the 2026 season
Over the years, even before Tom Brady left the team in 2020, the offense desperately needed a top-tier receiver to dominate on game day, and although Boutte hasn't gotten there just yet, he looks to have all the tools to become that kind of player, especially after his impressive 2025 season.
He should have had the opportunity to build on that this fall and take on an even more crucial role in game planning with Diggs no longer on the roster, but Brown's arrival ensures that won't happen.
Obviously, most fans won't be too upset about Boutte likely being traded, particularly if the Patriots had no plans of keeping him around beyond this upcoming season. Because if it means that AJ Brown is in the locker room, that's what they'll mostly care about.
To a degree, it makes sense given the kind of player that Brown has been and can be. But at the same time, Boutte has become one of the better draft picks that the team has made in recent years, so it's almost a shame to see that go to waste by trading him.
At the same time, if Brown was going to take over most of the snaps Boutte would be given, it's better for the Patriots to build a receiving corps of players they'll actually use and give Boutte a chance to thrive with another team instead.
It might still be hypothetical, since a trade hasn't been announced yet. But all signs point to Boutte playing elsewhere in 2026 and beyond, and it feels like he will be moved sooner rather than later.
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