Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Has Curious Plan for Kayshon Boutte

Based on reports from multiple insiders around the NFL, the New England Patriots are expected to trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown this week, and a deal can be finalized as soon as Tuesday.

After losing their leading receiver from last season, Stefon Diggs, the Patriots are expected to upgrade the position for third-year quarterback Drake Maye. New England added help at wide receiver already this offseason, signing Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract in March.

The shakeup at receiver is expected to make life harder for Kayshon Boutte. The 2023 third-round pick was the third-leading receiver for New England last season, recording 33 receptions for 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns.

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Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, Boutte has been absent from OTAs this spring, the first time he’s done so in his career. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters last week that he’s been in touch with the receiver, and made a curious comment that he expects Boutte to “pick up where he left off” in February.

“I have a great amount of respect for Kayshon, watching him mature and grow through the entire time that we spent together,” Vrabel said. “The communication is, ‘Hey, how are you doing? Are you working hard?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I like where I’m working out at.’ [Then it’s] ‘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.”

With the addition of Doubs and likely Brown, Boutte’s role on New England would be expected to decrease in the upcoming season. His absence at OTAs won’t help his cause.

With Diggs on the roster last season, Boutte saw his target number decrease from 68 in 2024 to 46 in 2025.

There has been chatter that the Patriots could trade Boutte this offseason, and maybe even piece him in a trade package for Brown. That could be the best option for New England and Boutte, as his skillset won’t be as needed on the outside in the upcoming season.

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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 2:04 PM.