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The New England Patriots moved on from their leading receiver from last season, Stefon Diggs, early in the offseason, opening up an opportunity for a new dynamic in the receiver corps this fall.
The worst-kept secret in the league early in the offseason was that New England would trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for A.J.
Brown.
The Patriots did so on June 1.
Amid speculation that the Patriots would trade for Brown, New England wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was the subject of trade rumors.
He missed some of OTAs before attending mandatory minicamp.
While the anticipation has been building to see Brown work with third-year quarterback Drake Maye, Boutte appears to be turning heads at the start of training camp.
More News: Three Teams That Can Win the Big 12 More News: Three Teams That Can Win the ACC Championship Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston noted that Boutte had a strong day of practice on Sunday, the second practice in a row he stood out for the Patriots.
"For the second straight day it was none other than Kayshon Boutte making the play of the day for the offense," Perry posted on X.
"Today is was a diving catch along the right sideline from Drake Maye.
Lost his helmet.
Held onto the ball." Boutte, a sixth-round pick by the Patriots in 2023, was the third-leading receiver on New England last season, recording 46 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns.
In May, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said he had high hopes for Boutte this season.
"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." Boutte could be a pleasant surprise for the Patriots this season.
Playing on the final year of his rookie contract, Boutte has every reason to want a special season.
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