Now that the NFL Draft has concluded and the Patriots officially have their 90-man roster set for the offseason, debates have begun regarding how the team might look at the start of the new season this fall. Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf have assembled an impressive group of players from free agency up to UDFA additions, making it much more intriguing to consider who might be on the roster bubble this summer.
One of the most discussed groups with inevitable cuts to come has surrounded the wide receiver room. The Patriots finally have a deep enough roster that will require some intense competition to lock up a spot on the team. Many are already deciding who is likely on the roster bubble, with many believing third-year player Kayshon Boutte is near the top of the list.
With the addition of Kyle Williams in the third round of this year's draft and Stefon Diggs in free agency, the receiving corps has grown exponentially from one season ago, and for the better. But that puts a lot of pressure on guys like Boutte to impress over the next few months. If they aren't able to live up to whatever standard Vrabel and Co. are hoping for, there's a chance they could be cut or traded.
That's why Boutte's name has been mentioned in trade conversations in recent weeks, with some speculating he could be among those for whom the Patriots could receive the best return. With receiver-needy teams still looking for a fix, one team might come calling for Boutte if he becomes available.
The Dallas Cowboys are considered a team who could call the Patriots about Kayshon Boutte
While answering various questions from fans last week, Brian Hines of Pats Pulpit was asked about Boutte's potential value as a trade asset for the Patriots since many believe he will be the odd man out this offseason.
Hines questions his fit in a Josh McDaniels offense and whether Boutte would be better suited to another team, listing the Cowboys as one that could be calling about his availability this summer.
"Boutte could profile as a low-volume X-receiver in Josh McDaniels’ offense, but the production last year at 23 years old would likely lead to him having the most trade value of the bubble players. One team that would make plenty of sense as a potential partner for Boutte or any receiver: the Dallas Cowboys."
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Because the new regime is keen on building the roster through the draft, it would be unsurprising if they decided to trade Boutte for draft capital if a team was willing to give it up. Given that he was a sixth-round draft pick and hasn't had a standout NFL career thus far, it's hard to imagine Dallas would be willing to give up anything other than a late-round pick, but that might be enough in the eyes of the Patriots.
They just traded a third-round pick to the Steelers for George Pickens to put their receiving corps over the top. But beyond him and CeeDee Lamb, their roster isn't too impressive. Boutte could elevate it for the right price if the Patriots were willing to work out a deal.
It will be interesting to see how the Patriots' receivers perform this season and if it would make sense to move on from Boutte already. Last year's draft picks Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk are in for a prove-it year after a less-than-memorable rookie season. How they look will likely dictate Boutte's future in New England, making it an offseason roster battle worth watching closely.
Since Drake Maye's future in the league heavily depends on who they surround him with, it seems inevitable that ensuring the best receivers are around him will be a top priority, which could include or eliminate Boutte. There will be a lot of pressure on him to outshine some of his teammates, and if he can do that, there's no reason to believe he won't make the team.
If not, however, it would be good to see a team like the Cowboys call and make an offer the Patriots can't refuse.