The New England Patriots boosted their receiver corps for quarterback Drake Maye this offseason by signing former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs in free agency.
In addition to Doubs, the Patriots are expected to be in play to trade for Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown after June 1.
With the Patriots expected to have a much better receiver on their roster this fall, it’s an important offseason for Kayshon Boutte. The 2023 sixth-round pick is playing on the final year of his rookie contract and needs to have a productive season before he’s set to enter free agency in 2027.
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Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, Boutte has not been working out with the Patriots during voluntary OTAs.
“It caught the ear that Kayshon Boutte wasn’t included as he has been working out away from the facility,” Reiss wrote.
NFL players aren’t required to show up for voluntary OTAs, though it wouldn’t hurt for Boutte to earn reps with Maye this offseason. Boutte was the third leading receiver on New England last season behind Stefon Diggs and tight end Hunter Henry, recording 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns.
Diggs is no longer on the Patriots, meaning Boutte would be the top wide receiver returning from last season.
Through his first three seasons, Boutte has recorded 78 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s been a great value for New England as a Day 3 pick, but he could face challenges to receive a high number of targets after the addition of Doubs and the potential trade for Brown.
Boutte’s attendance status will be worth keeping an eye on when mandatory minicamp starts for the Patriots on June 15. There’s a possibility he would like some extra compensation before playing on the final season of his rookie deal in a suddenly crowded receiver room.
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