Patriots have seemingly made Kayshon Boutte trade decision

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte remained the subject of trade rumors ahead of the club's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, which New England won 24-21, this past Saturday. 

Boutte reportedly requested a trade after the club acquired Romeo Doubs and A.J. Brown during the offseason. According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, Boutte may soon receive a desired fresh start elsewhere.

What do Patriots hope to get in return for Kayshon Boutte?

"Boutte didn’t play an offensive snap Saturday, just like starting receivers A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, and Mack Hollins," Volin wrote. "But considering the way everyone is talking – Boutte said he is 'blocking out the noise,' and receivers coach Todd Downing said Boutte is 'an example I will use for the rest of my coaching career, the way that he has just been a pro and shown up every day' – here’s betting that Boutte’s DNP was to keep him healthy so the Patriots can trade him this week. A fourth-round pick would probably get it done." 

As Julia Stumbaugh shared for Bleacher Report, Boutte had been linked with the Houston Texans after Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending torn ACL. However, the Texans have since added Zay Jones and Sterling Shepard to their roster. It's unclear if those moves would keep Houston from taking a flier on Boutte. 

The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers are among clubs that presumably could use help at the wide-receiver position. Meanwhile, Boutte is only under contract through the 2026 season, and there's no indication he will receive an extension from the Patriots. Over 14 games last season, he recorded 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns.

What Eliot Wolf said about Kayshon Boutte

According to Volin, Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf addressed Boutte's uncertain future on Saturday.

"Definitely try to be up front with those guys about the situation, and control what you can control," Wolf said when asked about Boutte. 

Wolf's comments may lead one to believe that Boutte could have a new NFL home before Week 1 of the upcoming season arrives.