Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton is dropping bombs, predicting there’s a 90% chance New England Patriots fan favorite wide receiver Kayshon Boutte gets shipped out before the 2026 season kicks off. Seriously, a nine out of ten on Moton’s “Trade probably meter.” That’s not just a rumor, that’s practically a done deal in prediction circles, and it’s gotta sting for anyone who watched the guy.
Boutte’s Time in New England Looks Done
For Boutte, who’s only 24 and coming off what the report calls a “solid campaign,” this move makes a weird kind of sense for everyone involved. The Patriots have gone all-in on rebuilding their receiver room, bringing in A.J. Brown via trade from Philly and snagging Romeo Doubs in free agency. They’ve got a strong running back duo and tight ends too, so their QB Drake Maye actually has some weapons around him. But that also means Boutte is buried on the depth chart, fighting for snaps.
He’s also heading into the last year of his rookie deal, looking at free agency next offseason. Getting him to a new team now would be a huge boost for his value, and frankly, a chance to actually play somewhere he’s not an afterthought. It would make a lot of sense for him, the Patriots, and whatever team scoops him up.
What a Mid-Round Pick Actually Means
So, why would the Patriots pull the trigger on a fan favorite? Simple: they’ve got depth. Even without Boutte, their receiver room still looks solid with DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams rounding out the group behind Brown and Doubs. Shipping Boutte out for a mid-round draft pick just makes sense for their future. A fifth-rounder might be a bit “underwhelming,” as Moton puts it, but a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft? Now that’s “worth it.” Think about it: a known talent for future draft capital, while still having plenty of targets for their young quarterback.
Speaking of the league, there’s always news breaking. Our own Seahawks 2nd-round safety Bud Clark just got some tough news on his Week 1 starting job, which is a bummer to hear so early in the season. Every team’s trying to get their roster right, and these decisions, whether it’s trading a fan favorite like Boutte or making tough calls on a starting spot, are massive.
The Houston Texans, who just lost WR Jayden Higgins for the 2026 season, look like a perfect landing spot for Boutte if the Patriots do move him. Keep your eyes peeled to see if New England actually pulls the trigger on Boutte before the 2026 season kicks off. Will they get that coveted fourth-rounder? It’s going to be interesting to watch how this plays out and what kind of impact it has across the league as teams finalize their rosters.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply