NFLFeature
Where will Drew Allar be drafted? What scouting reports say about 2026 NFL Draft chances
Drew Allar's injury impacts 2026 NFL Draft projections.
Yahoo Sports1 min read
Sports
Kayshon Boutte trade speculation shakes up Patriotsā draft outlook
TL;DR
Kayshon Boutte is at the center of trade speculation, impacting the New England Patriots' strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft. The potential trade for A.J. Brown may reduce the need for a top wide receiver with their No. 31 pick.
Key points
- Kayshon Boutte is involved in trade speculation.
- Patriots may trade for A.J. Brown.
- Boutte's contract is expiring after the 2026 season.
- Patriots have the No. 31 overall pick in the draft.
- Several wide receiver prospects are forecasted for New England.
New England PatriotsPhiladelphia Eagles
Kayshon Boutteās name rising in trade speculation this spring creates more intrigue over the direction that the New England Patriots will take in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Patriotsā imminent trade talks with the Philadelphia Eagles regarding a deal for wide receiver A.J. Brown calls for less of a need to take a top wide receiver prospect with the No. 31 overall pick in the draft. Several prospects, including KC Concepcion (Texas A&M), Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana), and Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee) have been forecasted to land in New England with the pick.
Trade speculation surrounding Boutte does not lessen the effect of the anticipated trade for Brown after June 1 to the point of necessitating a wide receiver with pick No. 31. However, it still places an onus on the position early in the draft. Boutte finished third for New England in receiving yards in 2025 with 551 yards. He was one of their best deep-ball threats last season.
However, the Louisiana native is approaching the final year of his four-year, $4 million rookie deal with the Patriots in 2026. The Patriots have the opportunity to move off Boutteās expiring contract while his value is high following a Super Bowl appearance at the end of last season.
There is depth at the wide receiver position in this yearās draft class, with Germie Bernard (Alabama) and Zachariah Branch (Georgia) being fitting prospects for New England to consider on Day 2 of the event.
Follow Patriots Wire onĀ Ā andĀ .
Q&A
What is Kayshon Boutte's current contract situation with the Patriots?
Kayshon Boutte is in the final year of his four-year, $4 million rookie deal with the Patriots in 2026.
How does the trade speculation around Boutte affect the Patriots' draft plans?
The trade speculation around Boutte, along with potential trade talks for A.J. Brown, may influence the Patriots' decision to prioritize other positions instead of selecting a wide receiver with the No. 31 pick.
Who are the top wide receiver prospects linked to the Patriots for the 2026 NFL Draft?
Prospects linked to the Patriots include KC Concepcion from Texas A&M, Omar Cooper Jr. from Indiana, and Chris Brazzell II from Tennessee.