At the same time last year, some expressed concerns about the New England Patriots' thin depth at wide receiver. Stefon Diggs was aging and coming off a major injury, and the team didn't have any other established pass catcher.
A lot can change in a year. Now, the Patriots have a true superstar in A.J. Brown, a high-end WR2 in Romeo Doubs, and some formerly unknown pieces have also taken a big leap to be worthy of consideration.
That includes Kayshon Boutte, who's coming off hauling in a career-best six touchdowns on 16.7 yards per catch. However, given his contract situation, the logjam at the position, and other teams' desperation for help, this might be the perfect moment to let him go.
The Chiefs could be a perfect trade partner for Kayshon Boutte
In a recent article, FanSided's Wyston Wilcox proposed a mock trade that would send Boutte to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2027 fourth-round pick. He cited the Chiefs' desperate need for another weapon, given the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, plus Boutte's desire to get a new deal:
"With the need the Chiefs have at receiver, they can’t wait around to land someone motivated to produce. Boutte is in a contract year, meaning he knows he has to have a good season to get a pay raise next spring," wrote Wilcox. "The Chiefs will probably have to offer a fourth-rounder to get this deal done."
Some may argue that the Patriots should hold onto Boutte to have a three-headed monster, especially given how well the wide receiver corps has looked in training camp. That's fair to a degree, but how sustainable is it?
A.J. Brown will draw as many targets as he can handle; that's why they traded for him. He can make life hell in the locker room when he's not heavily involved in the passing game, and the Patriots knew that when they pursued him, so they happily signed up for everything that comes with him.
Boutte is already discontent with his role and contract situation, and it's hard to believe things will be better once targets become more scarce. He's entering a contract year, and that will only hurt his chances of cashing in on a bigger payday, so he must be eager to take his talents elsewhere.
Even with him gone, the Patriots would still have plenty of depth with Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and maybe even Efton Chism III. They already have a ball-dominant possession receiver who'll draw double-digit targets every week, so they can certainly afford to let him go.
Boutte didn't do anything wrong, but he's just a victim of the circumstances. And with all teams stacking up 2027 draft picks like infinity stones, turning down that potential offer would be poor asset management.
The wideouts look great in training camp, but there might not be enough targets to feed everyone once it actually counts. The writing is on the wall, and it's time to make the most of his trade value before it takes a hit.
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