The New England Patriots solidified their receiving room with A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs for the 2026 NFL season. But with those additions, the team created a cloud over 24-year-old Kayshon Boutte.
The fourth-year wideout admitted while speaking to the media after Thursday’s practice he doesn’t know what his NFL future holds. But Boutte made his top priority clear.
“It’s whatever’s best for me,” Boutte told reporters, via SI on Patriots’ Zac Ventola. “Like I said, whether it’s here or somewhere else, I gotta do what’s best for me.
“I can’t really say it today, you kinda gotta see how things play out. So like I say, taking it day by day, I’m not a future teller, so I couldn’t tell you.”
Kayshon Boutte Admits to Uncertain Patriots Future
GettyNew England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte addressed his uncertain NFL future after Thursday’s practice.
Boutte’s message will certainly cause headlines. Those quotes standing alone could portray the wideout to some as selfish.
But “honest” is probably a better word to describe Boutte’s entire media session Thursday.
“I’m a pretty positive person. I come in every day ready to work. It’s another opportunity,” Boutte said, via Audacity’s Meghan Ottolini. “You could be without a job. I get to wake up every day, 7 a.m. Come here, do what I do, make plays. That’s my life.”
When asked if he wanted more first-team opportunities, Boutte responded saying: “I think everybody would like to have more first team reps.”
In some ways, Boutte has been a terrific wideout for the Patriots. Last season, he averaged 16.7 yards per reception and scored six touchdowns. Boutte is also coming off back-to-back campaigns with at least 550 receiving yards.
Boutte, though, also only had 33 catches in 14 games a season ago. The Patriots rightfully pursued wideout upgrades in the hopes of moving Boutte into a big-play role rather than needing him to be a reliable WR2.
Doubs is expected to fill that role behind New England’s new WR1 — Brown. The Patriots signed Doubs in free agency while they acquired Brown via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Patriots’ Drake Maye Addresses Boutte Trade Rumors
GettyQuarterback Drake Maye addressed the trade rumors surrounding wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.
Boutte wasn’t the only Patriots player talking about the wideout’s future Thursday. Quarterback Drake Maye also addressed the elephant in the room.
“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.”
In essence, Maye’s response wasn’t all that different from some of Boutte’s answers. Both players seem to be indirectly acknowledging that Boutte’s long-term future will not be in New England. But the two are still working hard to get better together for 2026.
This fall, Boutte is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Patriots selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
If he’s not traded before or during the season, it’s a safe bet Boutte will leave via free agency in March.
In 34 NFL games over three seasons, Boutte has 78 catches, 1,159 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He’s averaged 14.9 yards per reception.
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