The 2026 offseason has been filled with plenty of conversation surrounding the Patriots, not all of which has been the most positive. Within the discussion about the roster, however, there have been countless rumors linking wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to a trade before the start of the regular season, despite how integral he has become to Drake Maye's game.
Over the past two years, he has been flying under the radar as one of the young quarterback's most reliable pass catchers, and it has shown he has the potential to grow into a major part of their offensive game plan for years to come.
But apparently, the Patriots higher-ups don't view his value quite as high and don't appear to be willing to offer him his first extension, since he is about to play on the final year of his rookie contract this fall.
Because of that, it's fair that they're taking calls about his availability, and from all reports on the matter, they haven't received any offer that has enticed them enough to legitimately entertain moving Boutte any time soon.
The problem is that from what we saw this past week during the unveiling of the new training facility, including the new locker room, it still looks like the Patriots are planning a future that doesn't involve Boutte.
Kayshon Boutte's future with the Patriots continues to be a roller coaster
After spending the last season with a locker close to Maye, it was immediately apparent that Boutte's new space in the locker room was a bit further away.
It was something fans caught fairly quickly, and while it might not mean much, it could mean something given the ongoing rumors.
A look at how the #Patriots new locker room is set up 👀
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) August 13, 2026
Drake Maye is alongside A.J. Brown, Mack Hollins, Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas, while Tommy DeVito is alongside Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III, Kayshon Boutte and Kyle Dixon.
(📸 @RealAlexBarth) pic.twitter.com/xEpPJsEOW8
At the very least, it's something to monitor considering everything that is being said about Boutte's future.
If they were smart, the Patriots would keep him around for the 2026 season and beyond, especially if they take what Maye has to say to heart and he has had nothing but good things to say about working with the receiver.
Keeping a solid group of receivers together is part of the foundation that will allow Maye to thrive, and it's been part of roster building that hasn't been easy for the team in far too long. So the fact that they're even considering moving on from a productive and reliable player is a frustrating thing for fans.
Fortunately for those who don't want him traded, it doesn't sound like any inquiring teams have made a strong enough offer, and the Patriots shouldn't entertain anything less than a fourth-rounder. It's unlikely they'll get that, but it's the only thing maybe worthy of sending Boutte packing.
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