The New England Patriots still have to finalize their trade for All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown. But with a potential deal on the horizon, there might not be a Patriots receiver with more pressure entering offseason workouts than Kayshon Boutte.
Mass Live’s Mark Daniels only added to that Wednesday.
Daniels named five things to watch this week with New England beginning its organized team activities. The second thing Daniels discussed was the Patriots receiving depth chart.
Should Brown join the Patriots, Daniels sees Boutte as potentially the odd-man out.
“The Patriots are the front-runners to acquire Brown. It’ll be interesting to see how the team’s receiver depth chart shakes out,” wrote Daniels.
“If Brown comes to Foxborough, that could make Kayshon Boutte expendable. The team also has Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III. Younger receivers vying for a roster spot include Nick DeGennaro, Jeremiah Webb, Kyle Dixon, Cameron Dorner and Jimmy Kibble.
“It’s worth monitoring how these receivers look, who steps up and who stands out. Boutte hasn’t been with the team this spring. Will he attend optional OTAs? If the Patriots trade for Brown, how does that change the offense?”
Could Patriots Part With WR Kayshon Boutte After A.J. Brown Trade?
Boutte potentially on the outs in New England isn’t ground-breaking news. But it’s been a topic more widely discussed among national pundits at places such as Bleacher Report.
The narrative coming from a local Boston website is more noteworthy.
In NFL free agency, the Patriots lost Stefon Diggs and signed Romeo Doubs. But Doubs probably isn’t going to replace Diggs — Brown will when the trade is done. Pundits expect that will happen after June 1.
That will push Doubs into the WR2 role and Boutte further down the depth chart.
With his big-play ability, Boutte could be a terrific WR3. But he’s not a wideout who has played a lot in the slot.
Last season, Boutte led Patriots receivers with about 90% of his offensive snaps out wide. He’s never played more than 13.6% of his snaps in the slot during any of his three NFL seasons.
Boutte could become a trade candidate for another team if the Patriots complete their deal for Brown. It’s possible New England even includes Boutte in the Brown trade package to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Patriots WR Depth at Offseason Workouts
Losing Boutte will hurt New England. Again, his big-play ability down the field was a significant asset for the Patriots last season.
But the team will have a better downfield option in Brown. The Patriots also have wideouts Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas returning for next season.
Douglas averaged 14.4 yards per reception in 2025. He had 447 receiving yards despite only 31 catches.
Hollins is an experienced veteran who posted 46 catches, 550 yards and two touchdowns last year. That pairing could provide strong depth behind starters Brown and Doubs. The Patriots also have Efton Chism III, Kyle Williams and Jeremiah Webb at receiver on the offseason roster.
It’s possible New England sees an undrafted free agent emerge at the position as well. The Patriots inked Jimmy Kibble, Nick DeGennaro, Kyle Dixon and Cameron Dorner in undrafted free agency.
The team will learn more about how its receivers look at offseason workouts.
Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte Put on Notice at Start of Offseason Workouts