The Patriots' receiving corps has been the talk of the team recently, with a looming trade for AJ Brown the hottest topic. Within that conversation has been a discussion of what could be included in the deal, with the most likely being high draft capital. But there's a chance a player could be thrown in to lessen the blow to the Patriots' stock.
The most likely candidate has been Kayshon Boutte, especially since he has reportedly not been present at the facility this offseason so far. He's about to play on the final year of his rookie contract, so the Patriots need to consider extending him, and if they don't plan to do that, they'll be more willing to move him now.
But what if they don't have that choice?
There's a scenario in which Eliot Wolf is forced to trade Boutte, not because he wants to, but because the receiver demands it. It's a situation floated by NBC Sports Boston's Tom Curran recently, and it's something the Patriots should avoid.
There's a good chance that Kayshon Boutte will force the Patriots' hand ahead of the 2026 season
On an episode of Arbella Early Edition this week, Curran spoke about Boutte's career with the Patriots thus far and how he's risen to the occasion despite being a sixth-round pick.
But he acknowledged the past criticism of his usage, and it might get to a point where he demands a trade, particularly if a trade for Brown does happen.
"And now in this offseason, they've brought in Romeo Doubs as an X. Kyle Williams is an X. A.J. Brown is an X. (Boutte has) done everything he possibly could as a sixth-round pick for a few years. His numbers are down because he doesn't get the ball enough. So, he's not going to have a huge bounty as an X receiver when he does get to become a free agent.
So, I wouldn't blame him if he's saying, 'You know what? It was fun and everything, but it'd be better for my career if I were to play someplace else.'"
For any player in Boutte's position, it would be understandable if it reached this point, especially if the Patriots are able to pull off a trade for Brown.
But at the same time, it would be a disappointing end to a player who has proven to be the real deal and had some of the most impressive catches of the 2025 season. Boutte has grown into the one-time considered first-round prospect, and he looks to have all the tools to be what the offense has needed.
Yet if the Patriots have no desire to keep him around beyond the upcoming season, it would be best for them to move him for something in return than watch him leave in free agency for nothing. And as Curran alluded to, it might not be a choice that is fully up to them if Boutte wants out.
It's not the ideal scenario, but if the result is getting Brown in the door, it seems inevitable that Boutte will play elsewhere next season, whether it's by his own demand or not.
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