New England Patriots
“At the end of the day, I can control what I can control.”
Kayshon Boutte is expected to be in attendance for minicamp. John Tlumacki/Boston Globe Staff
June 7, 2026 | 6:29 PM
2 minutes to read
There have been plenty of trade whispers surrounding Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte this offseason.
Despite having a solid season in 2025 as Drake Maye’s go-to deep threat, the 24-year-old wideout’s spot on the depth chart could be in jeopardy — especially after New England added both A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs this offseason.
Boutte has only fueled speculation about his future in Foxborough by opting to practice on his own rather than taking part in the Patriots’ voluntary offseason workouts and organized team activities (OTAs) over the last few weeks.
But speaking to WBZ on Saturday, Boutte confirmed that he will be in attendance for New England’s mandatory minicamp, which will run from June 9-11.
As far as trade rumors, Boutte brushed aside talk of his future with the Patriots and whether or not he might seek a better opportunity elsewhere.
“I try not to buy into it,” Boutte said. “At the end of the day, I can control what I can control. As long as I’m doing what I’m supposed to do off the field, everything else will play out.”
Even with Boutte’s chemistry with Maye, the case can be made that New England has to free up a spot or two in its crowded wideout corps moving forward.
And Boutte has been a familiar name tossed around this season when it comes to trade rumors.
Sure enough, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said on his podcast last week that Boutte would be receptive to a deal — especially given how crowded New England’s receiver room is at this stage of the summer.
“One wide receiver I’m still suspecting that something might happen with is Kayshon Boutte,” Schefter noted. ”He has not been there for the offseason program. He has been interested in a trade. I would think that at some point this summer, we may get action there. Another deal, Kayshon Boutte, going somewhere else. We’ll see how that works out.”
Even though Boutte plans to be in attendance during workouts this week, his absence over the previous few weeks of New England’s offseason program was worth noting as the Patriots potentially mull their options.
“I have a great amount of respect for Kayshon, and watching him mature and grow through the entire time that we spent together,” Mike Vrabel last month of Boutte. “That’s a credit to Kayshon, that’s a credit to [wide receivers coach] Todd Downing.
“And just the communication is, “Hey, how are you doing? One, you’re working hard?” And he said, “Yeah, I like where I’m working out at.” “Okay. We’ll be here ready to coach you when you’re here.” That’s been very positive, and I would imagine that he would pick up where he left off and grow on the season that he had last year.”
Even if Boutte’s role might be lessened on this current roster, the 2023 sixth-round pick out of LSU was a dependable weapon for Drake Maye last season, recording 33 catches for 551 yards and six touchdowns over 14 games.
But with New England potentially having reservations about handing Boutte a hefty new contract beyond this season, a trade might be the best way forward to satisfy all parties.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer gave his take on what New England might be seeking as part of a trade involving the former LSU standout.
“Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte, I think, could be had for a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick right now, if anyone has an interest in him,” Breer wrote last month.
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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