By Megan Armstrong0ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Last season, Stefon Diggs became the New England Patriots' first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. Diggs was quarterback Drake Maye's safety blanket in his second year, and Maye's NFL-best deep-ball accuracy was unlocked by wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.
Maye finished second to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford for NFL MVP, and the Patriots surprised everyone by reaching Super Bowl LX, where they finished second to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Patriots apparently believed that Maye needed an upgraded supporting cast to make a Year 3 leap and win the Super Bowl. They released Diggs in March, and Boutte might soon be leaving New England, too.
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"One wide receiver that I'm still expecting something might happen with is Kayshon Boutte," ESPN's Adam Schefter said on his eponymous podcast on Tuesday. "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."
...Boutte, 24, is likely the odd man out in the Patriots' new-look receiver room. Former Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs signed with New England as an unrestricted free agent in March. Their headlining offseason move, however, was the acquisition of star receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.
The trade was finalized Monday, and Brown is now immediately Maye's No. 1. As one of the best man-beating, contested-catch receivers in the NFL, Brown would also seamlessly replace Boutte's skill set should the Patriots deal him.
"A.J. Brown scored 18 TDs in receptions of 20+ air yards during his four seasons with the Eagles, the most in the NFL," ESPN's Field Yates wrote. "Drake Maye led the NFL in air yards/attempt and yards/attempt last year. The ideal fit for one of the best deep ball throwers in the league."
While Maye and the Patriots were the league's pleasant surprise in 2025, expectations have skyrocketed entering next season. They won't have to wait to make a statement, either. They'll open the season with a Super Bowl LX rematch in Seattle on Sept. 9.
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