Kayshon Boutte Explains OTAs Absence; Clarifies Desire To Stay With Patriots

Kayshon Boutte Explains OTAs Absence; Clarifies Desire To Stay With Patriots originally appeared on NESN.
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The New England Patriots started mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and Kayshon Boutte was in attendance. Boutte missed OTAs, and there were rumors that he was skipping because of the Patriots’ addition and pursuit of A.J. Brown.

Boutte is in a contract year, and the addition of Brown figures to impact his role in the offense. He figures to be the No. 3 receiver, and it would make sense if he wanted to be dealt to a team where he can put up better numbers before hitting free agency. However, Boutte clarified that his OTAs absence had nothing to do with Brown or trade rumors, according to Taylor Kyles of CLNS.

Kayshon Boutte says his absence during the voluntary offseason program didn’t have anything to do with trade rumors or the A.J. Brown acquisition

Boutte also reiterated he wants to be in the New England pic.twitter.com/rp1OjJYJcj

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) June 9, 2026

Not only did Boutte clarify that his absence had nothing to do with Brown, but he also made it known that he wants to be a Patriot. Ultimately, he understands that it’s up to the team if he gets traded, but he has no problem with being on the Patriots.

“I wouldn’t mind being here,” Boutte told reporters, per Patriots insider Phil Perry. “I do want to be here.”

Boutte could end up being a great piece of the Patriots’ offense alongside Romeo Doubs and Brown. He may not put up big numbers, but he still brings a unique skillset, and last season, he proved he can work well with Drake Maye.

More NFL: Patriots Declined Multiple A.J. Brown Trade Packages, Months Of Negotiations