Top NFL trade candidate wide receiver Kayshon Boutte could be available during the draft this offseason. According to a report, NFL insider Adam Schefter put together a list of players that may be on the trade block, and one of them could be Boutte. The NFL Draft is just days and there is plenty of talent that could become available over the weekend. It’s no surprise the New England Patriots could trade some of their wide receivers since they have to find who will be a consistent pass catcher in their core group.
Boutte had one of the most lackluster seasons last year, recording 43 receptions for 589 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, it looks like the LSU product’s time could come to an end as he’s still on a rookie contract and will probably receive a ton of interest since he’s cheap. The Patriots had an active free agency, building a new passing offense for quarterback Drake Maye, signing wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins. It shouldn’t be surprising if the Patriots wind up trading some talent to make room for these pass catchers, and they’re hoping that Hollins and Diggs will be their new consistent weapons.
Boutte isn’t the only Patriots wide receiver on the trade block, but Kendrick Bourne has been brought up in those conversations. He won’t fetch the biggest deal for the Patriots, but these three teams could pursue him during the NFL Draft.
ESPN: Top NFL Trade Candidate Kayshon Boutte Could Be Available During Draft – 3 Logical Fits
Possible Next Teams
New Orleans Saints
Last season, the New Orleans Saints were looking like serious contenders in the first few weeks with quarterback Derek Carr leading the charge. Unfortunately, after a few injuries, the team has been falling apart, and head coach Kellen Moore will need to figure out how to rebuild the mess, even though general manager Mickey Loomis has been reluctant to do that. It looks like it will get worse before it gets better since star wide receiver Chris Olave could request a trade to get out of New Orleans and join a contender.
If that happens, they should trade for another wide receiver who has some potential upside. Even after signing veteran Brandin Cooks, the pass catcher is way past his prime and won’t do everything himself. Rashid Shaheed is only effective when he has help in the aerial attack. With that, the Saints should trade for Boutte either way to help whoever comes in as their next signal-caller with a new weapon to work with.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers are at risk of losing veteran Adam Thielen during the draft. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are two promising wideouts, but they’re unproven, so this is something to watch as the 2025 season progresses. To help quarterback Bryce Young, the team should trade for Boutte to create a capable army of wideouts that could become homegrown talent for him.
Baltimore Ravens
Even after signing DeAndre Hopkins on a one-year deal, the Baltimore Ravens need to find a legitimate long-term wide receiver behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. While the Patriots probably won’t trade their talent to an AFC team like the Ravens, they could at the right price. DeVontez Walker is still developing, and Boutte has some potential to be effective for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
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