New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots have a lot of competition on their roster during training camp. Arguably the most competitive spot on the roster, though, is the wide receiver position, where Kayshon Boutte finds himself among a group of pass-catchers battling for a roster spot.
After playing sparingly as a rookie in 2023 with the Patriots, Boutte found himself with a larger role on offense in 2024, largely due to necessity. In 15 games, Boutte caught 43 passes for 589 yards and three touchdowns, showing off his potential in the process.
The front office made several additions this offseason in an effort to improve the offense around second-year quarterback Drake Maye. That involved signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency and selecting Kyle Williams in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Even though Boutte took a step forward last season, he’s competing with several other fringe players for a spot on the Patriots roster. However, Boutte isn’t concerned with his standing on the team as training camp unfolds, saying he’s focused on controlling what he can control.
“It’s a competition,” Boutte said when speaking to reporters on Monday, per Mike Kadlick of CLNS. “I just feel like all you really can do is control what you can control.”
Heading into training camp, it seemed like Diggs, Hollins, Williams and Demario Douglas were all roster locks at wide receiver. That leaves Boutte competing against Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker and Efton Chism III for what could be only two or three roster spots.
New England may have an extra incentive to keep Boutte in town, as they would have virtually no shot of stashing him on their practice squad given his 2024 production. They could look to trade him, but his upside may lead the coaching staff to determine he’s worth giving a longer look.
Regardless of what happens, Boutte is going to continue putting in the work necessary for the Patriots. The path to a roster spot isn’t clear, but if Boutte can impress during training camp, he could become a key part of the team’s plans for 2025 and beyond.
