The trade rumors involving wide receiver Kayshon Boutte have been a big story around the Patriots all offseason. Although it appears most fans, even players, want to see the 25-year-old remain with the team, there is reason to believe he's an odd man out in the current receiving corps, particularly after signing Romeo Doubs.
Despite that, Boutte has continued to be a constant for Drake Maye during practice, even seeing the most catches over A.J. Brown on some days. That seems to signal to the coaching staff that the quarterback likes working with him, and that would (hopefully) be considered during any potential trade inquiries.
That has become an increasingly interesting conversation as of late, as the Texans suffered another devastating blow to their receiving corps this past week when Jayden Higgins was injured and will officially miss the 2026 season.
It immediately put Boutte back in the conversation as a primary target for Houston, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity for the Patriots to make a deal if they're legitimately interested, as rumors suggest.
But their decision to sign three free agents instead might hint at where the Patriots currently stand with trading their sixth-round draft pick.
The Patriots might not be as urgently looking to trade Kayshon Boutte as we thought
Given that most rosters are already close to completion at this stage of the offseason, and preseason games are used to test players who are vying for a spot on the team, there aren't many who are in a position to trade for someone like Boutte.
That makes it increasingly difficult for a team like the Patriots, who appear to be hoping to make a trade before the season begins. But reports have stated they aren't receiving the kind of offers they were hoping for, with most suggesting they want a fourth-round pick at minimum, and based on how quickly the Texans signed three free agents, it might be fair to assume that their calls to New England didn't go as planned, either.
NFL insiders hinted that Boutte was on their radar and that they would likely be calling Eliot Wolf about his availability. Although we didn't hear anything definitive before they signed free agents, it wouldn't be shocking to find out that what the Patriots were demanding was too much for the Texans to give up.
Then there's the possibility that they're not as hellbent on moving Boutte before Week 1, since he's been consistently productive in practice and Maye has been a loud supporter of the kind of player he has been and can be for the offense.
If they take what their quarterback has to say seriously, then maybe they have changed their mind, especially if those who have inquired about a trade aren't willing to make it worthwhile for them.
That would be the best-case scenario, as the Patriots could have a receiving corps that has A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and Kayshon Boutte as their top three, with DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins right behind them.
It's the kind of jam-packed receiver room that has evaded them for far too long, so the fact that they have the luxury of that issue again is not something they should be too eager to move on from.
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