Throughout the offseason, a handful of Patriots players were discussed as potential collateral for the expected trade for wide receiver AJ Brown, most notably Kayshon Boutte or DeMario Douglas.
As we saw, neither was included in the deal, but that hasn't stopped the ongoing speculation that either will be cut or traded before the season begins, with most of the conversation shifting to Boutte, who is projected to be the team's best trade chip at this point.
That sentiment only grew stronger when Boutte skipped OTAs, seemingly confirming that he knew he would not be on the 2026 roster. But that doesn't appear to be completely accurate, at least in the receiver's mind, as he set the record straight that he will attend mandatory mini camp this week.
Even more interesting were his comments about his Patriots' future, and although his actions might speak louder, he made his feelings clear about what he hopes to happen this offseason and in the future, which couldn't be more relevant as he is set to play in the final year of his rookie contract.
Kayshon Boutte is not letting the ongoing trade speculation change his mind about his future with the Patriots
While speaking to WBZ's Dan Roche at a public event he put together over the weekend, Boutte was asked about the trade rumors, and he made it clear that while he hears it all, he wants to remain in New England not only in 2026, but for his career.
“I wanna be in New England for the rest of my career… I enjoy it out here. Been here three years… I call this home. This my new home. Grew up in Louisiana, stayed there 20 years, but now Boston is my life.”
That's a massive statement for a player who has been the subject of trade rumors for the past few months, and many believed he wanted off the team. That was even the rumor going around late last week, so it didn't take long for Boutte to put an end to that chatter.
It would be massive for the Patriots to keep the receiver on the offense, particularly after watching him put together the best season of his career in 2025. He showed exactly why he was once considered a first-round prospect, and he had some of the most impressive catches on the team and in the league throughout the year.
That chemistry he's built with Maye is invaluable, and although trading him would reclaim some draft picks that Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf likely want, it's not easy to find capable receivers in this league; hence, the trade for Brown, and moving on from Boutte could prove devastating.
Of course, it's difficult to say what their long-term plan for him is at this point. If they don't want to keep him around after this upcoming season, it would be better to trade him for something rather than watch him walk in free agency for nothing.
However, his growing importance to the offense is worth serious consideration, and with concerns about Brown's age and knee, it would be wise to ensure they have young talent around Maye in case disaster strikes, while also growing with him in the early stages of his career.
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