New England Patriots
“It’s an example I will use for the rest of my coaching career.”
Kayshon Boutte has continued to be linked to several trade rumors this offseason. (Lane Turner/Globe Staff)
August 18, 2026 | 7:19 AM
3 minutes to read
FOXBOROUGH — The trade whispers swirling around Kayshon Boutte since the spring have only become louder as the NFL calendar flips closer and closer to September.
But the 24-year-old wideout has preached the same message throughout training camp when it comes to his murky future in New England.
“I’m just blocking out the noise. That’s the main thing. We all hear the stuff that’s going on,” Boutte said on Monday. “But like I always said, I’m where I’m at. My feet are here, so I’m not worried about what’s next or what’s behind me. Just being present.”
Even with Boutte’s unsteady position in an already crowded Patriots wideout room, the dynamic pass-catcher hasn’t let those trade rumors or fears of a decreased role entering a contract year hinder his play out on the gridiron.
Boutte has seen some of his reps and targets dip in recent weeks amid the ascension of New England’s top offseason pickups in A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. But that hasn’t stopped Boutte from continuing to pop throughout practices as one of Drake Maye’s most dependable targets downfield.
Boutte was at it again this weekend — recording a highlight-reel snag from Maye in the end zone with Carlton Davis in coverage.
“Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time situations,” Boutte said of the catch. “Simple.”
Boutte’s professionalism and production amid all of those trade talks have been one of the top storylines so far during training camp. And it’s an approach that has left a sizable impression on Patriots wide receiver coach Todd Downing.
“It’s an example I will use for the rest of my coaching career,” Downing noted on Sunday when asked how Boutte has conducted himself this preseason. “The way that he has just been a pro and shown up every day, I have a great relationship with Kayshon, and I value that a lot. So, I’ll keep our conversations private, but I will tell you this. He is an absolute joy to coach and I’m really glad he’s in the room.”
On Monday, Boutte was asked about Downing’s comments and how he’s handled an eventful offseason to this point.
“At the end of the day, I just blocked out the noise. I can’t control what goes on and everything like that,” Boutte said. “Since Todd got here, he’s been a big part of my development. I trust him, and he trusts me. He pushes us to be the best every day, and we come out and give him that.”
There’s no guarantee that the Patriots will deal away Boutte in the coming weeks, especially if New England isn’t satisfied with a return that would justify relinquishing a still-young wideout who has built a strong rapport with Maye over the last few seasons.
Still, Boutte is not winning the numbers’ game when it comes to earning a featured role on New England’s offense — not with players like Brown, Doubs, and slot options like DeMario Douglas all primed for a steady dose of targets in 2026.
But Boutte isn’t letting spot on New England’s depth chart sap some of the camaraderie that has been built between himself and his teammates so far this summer.
“We cheer each other on,” Boutte said. “We want the best for each other. When somebody makes a play, we all go in the end zone. [Doubs] made the grabs the other day and we’re all celebrating. There is no hate.
“We all want the best for everybody. But there’s competition everywhere you go. So like I said, it’s all about opportunity and making the best of yours.”
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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