As the Patriots' roster currently stands, there are not many players that teams across the league will be clamoring to trade for, other than those who won't be made available (of course), such as CB Christian Gonzalez or QB Drake Maye. But there are some players, Mike Vrabel and Co. might try to trade before the season begins, just to add more draft capital over the next few years.
Among the most uncertain groups on the team remains the wide receivers, as there are 12 players signed to the roster. That leaves many futures hanging in the balance, with someone like third-year player Kayshon Boutte near the top of the list.
Because he hasn't put together an impressive season yet, with 2024 being the year that proved he had the potential to be a solid weapon, there may not be many teams that will express interest in acquiring him. However, the Steelers have emerged as a potential suitor, as the latest reports indicate their desire to add another receiver after trading away George Pickens earlier this year.
Although Boutte may not yet be of that caliber of player, his potential could pique the Steelers' interest in getting a deal done.
The Patriots might have a potential trade partner for Kayshon Boutte
If there's a chance the Patriots will consider moving on from Boutte, especially if they decide he won't make the 2025 roster, they could explore trade talks with a team like the Steelers. They pulled off the blockbuster trade for D.K. Metcalf earlier this offseason, and followed that up a couple of months later by trading Pickens to the Cowboys.
That leaves their offense, which is already down a quarterback, even more vulnerable. So it makes sense that head coach Mike Tomlin will be looking to add more firepower with another wide receiver.
They're likely looking for a player more established than someone like Boutte, who is only going into his second NFL season and has recorded just 45 receptions for 608 yards and three touchdowns. However, suppose they want to acquire a young player with a promising future, especially if they plan to draft a future franchise quarterback in the near future. In that case, trading for Boutte makes a lot of sense.
As a 2023 sixth-round pick, it's unlikely that the Patriots would receive a higher offer than that, unless multiple teams are interested in acquiring him. That could up the price for a team like the Steelers, which could be an excellent place for him to continue his career.
But there is also a chance that Vrabel and Co. believe Boutte could be a solid weapon for Maye moving forward. Because he's coming off a season that saw him record 43 catches for 589 yards and three scores, they might want to build off that and make him into a solid depth piece to utilize. He proved to be a trustworthy player for Maye to work with as a rookie, so it could be better for him to stick around.
At the same time, though, the new regime has proven they're not loyal to any player on the current roster, so moving on from Boutte, who has no connections to the coaching staff, won't be considered off the table. At least for now, it appears they could have a potential trade partner in the Steelers if they choose to pursue that route.