When the Patriots announced they were releasing Stefon Diggs ahead of free agency, it was a shocking twist after they finally acquired the kind of wide receiver talent the offense has lacked for several years. And although there were rumors that he might return on a new deal, that chatter fizzled as the offseason progressed, seemingly boosting Kayshon Boutte up the depth chart.
The 24-year-old had an impressive rise to stardom during the 2025 season, recording some of the most memorable catches of the entire year, and looked poised to take over Diggs' spot on the depth chart, even with the rumors connecting A.J. Brown to the Patriots.
The addition of Romeo Doubs affected that vision a bit, likely jump-starting rumors about the Patriots' interest in potentially trading him before the start of the regular season.
But as the summer has gone on, it's clear that the connection between Drake Maye and Boutte is unstoppable, which would presumably end the trade talk that has dominated the conversation over the past few months.
The problem is that it hasn't been the case, with Mike Vrabel not shutting down the whispers about Boutte's future any time he's asked, and there was one team that looked like the ideal trade partner if they came to that decision: the Washington Commanders.
With the departure of Deebo Samuel and the apparent fallout with Brandon Aiyuk, the NFC East team clearly needed additional receiver help, making them an easy place to send Boutte. That is, until Diggs signed a one-year deal with them on Wednesday.
Stefon Diggs signing with the Commanders eliminates them from a potential Patriots trade
It's far from certain that the Patriots want to trade Boutte before the season starts, especially after the latest reports claiming they haven't received any offer above a future fifth-round draft pick, and that's hardly what they should be dazzled by to move a productive receiver.
However, because the rumors have not slowed down, the Commanders' need for an improved receiving corps made them an obvious team to get on the phone with, but they are spending money on Diggs instead.
It makes sense, given that he had another impressive season in 2025 by recording over 1,000 receiving yards yet again, and he is far more trusted in the big scheme of things than Boutte. But the latter might have been more desirable, given his age and potential, particularly when considering his future with Jayden Daniels.
While signing Diggs doesn't necessarily mean that the Commanders won't be interested in a trade for Boutte, since he did only sign a one-year deal, it probably eliminates them for the time being unless they want to give up a fourth-round pick (at minimum) and immediately sign Boutte to an extension.
Based on the Diggs' contract, it would be fair to say that they got him for a steal, so trading for Boutte won't feel nearly as dire, and that could become a major loss for the Patriots.
Or they could be forced into keeping the playmaker around through the final year of his rookie contract, which seems to be what Maye wants to happen, given that they continue to make the best plays of practice almost every single day.
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