The New England Patriots and quarterback Drake Maye are heading into the 2026 NFL season with big expectations. After making a run to the Super Bowl last year, similar success is expected this year.
Unfortunately, the Patriots were unable to come out on top in the Super Bowl last year. They came up short against the Seattle Seahawks by a final score of 29-13.
Maye flourished in his second season. New England, as a whole, took a huge leap in the first year under head coach Mike Vrabel. Josh McDaniels had the Patriots’ offense humming.
Heading into the upcoming campaign, the New England offense will look different. During the NFL offseason, the Patriots went out and signed former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs in free agency. They also acquired star wide receiver A.J. Brown in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.
With that being said, there have been some trade rumors swirling around the New England wide receiver room during the early stages of training camp.
Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte Has Been Rumored as a Trade Candidate
Kayshon Boutte, a 24-year-old wide receiver entering his fourth season in the NFL, has been talked about as a potential trade candidate. Despite the rumors, Boutte has remained focused on the field.
Last season with the Patriots, Boutte played in 14 games. He caught 33 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns. In 2024, he caught 43 passes for 589 yards and three scores in 15 games.
As the trade rumors continue swirling, Maye decided to speak out with his honest thoughts about the talented wide receiver.
“He’s here. He’s here now,” Maye said. “He’s where his feet at, and I’m having fun throwing to him out there in practice. He’s doing a great job, and he makes plays when the football is in the air. …That speaks for itself. I’ve had a lot of great times with Kayshon, and I’m looking forward to keep getting better each and every day.”
Clearly, Maye would like to see the team hold onto Boutte. He may or may not get his wish, but Boutte has the support of his star quarterback.
New England’s Wide Receiver Room Is Among the Best
On paper, New England has one of the most talented wide receiver rooms in the NFL.
Currently, the Patriots have Brown and Doubs penciled in as their top two wideouts. Behind those two, they have Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams. All of those players are capable of playing a role.
Boutte’s future is very much up in the air right now. New England could trade him before the 2026 season, or he might be back and playing an important role.
Only time will tell, but it’s clear that Maye has enjoyed playing with Boutte. That should carry some weight with the Patriots.
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