New England Patriots
“At the end of the day, I can control what I can control.”
Kayshon Boutte is expected to attend minicamp. John Tolomacki/The Boston Globe Staff
There have been a lot of trade whispers surrounding Patriots wide receiver Kayshawn Bote this offseason.
Despite having a strong season in 2025 with Drake Maye as a deep threat, the 24-year-old’s place on the depth chart could be in jeopardy — especially after New England added both AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs this offseason.
Butte has only fueled speculation about his future in Foxboro by choosing to practice on his own instead of participating in the Patriots’ voluntary offseason workouts and organized team activities (OTAs) over the past few weeks.
But speaking to WBZ on SaturdayBute confirmed that he will attend New England’s mandatory minicamp, which will run from June 9-11.
Regarding trade rumors, Butte brushed aside talk about his future with the Patriots and whether or not he might look for a better opportunity elsewhere.
“I try not to buy into it,” Bott said. “At the end of the day, I can control what I can control. As long as I’m doing what I’m supposed to do off the field, everything else will fall into place.”
Even with Bute’s chemistry with Maye, a case can be made that New England should free up a spot or two in its crowded wideout corps moving forward.
Bute has been a household name being brought up this season when it comes to trade rumors
Sure enough, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said on his podcast last week that Bute would be receptive to a deal — especially given how crowded New England’s receiving room is at this point in the summer.
“One wide receiver I still suspect something could happen with is Kayshawn Bote.” Shifter pointed out. “He wasn’t there for the offseason program. He was interested in a trade. I think sometime this summer, we might move there. Another trade, Kayshawn Butte, will go somewhere else. We’ll see how that goes.”
Although Butte plans to be present during practice this week, his absence over the past few weeks of New England’s offseason program has been noteworthy as the Patriots likely weigh their options.
“I have a great deal of respect for Kayshawn, and I’ve watched him mature and grow throughout the time we’ve been together,” Butte’s Mike Vrabel said last month. “This is a credit to Kayshun, and this is a credit to me [wide receivers coach] Todd Downing.
“And the communication is just: ‘Hey, how are you? First, you work hard?” He said, “Yes, I like where I work out.” “Okay. We will be here ready to train you when you are here.” This has been a very positive thing and I imagine he will pick up where he left off and develop on the season he had last year.
Even if Butte’s role is reduced on this current roster, the 2023 sixth-round pick out of LSU was a dependable weapon for Drake May last season, recording 33 catches for 551 yards and six touchdowns over 14 games.
But with New England likely having reservations about giving Bute a huge new contract after this season, a trade may be the best way forward to satisfy all parties.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer gave his take on what New England might seek as part of a trade involving the former LSU player.
“I think Patriots WR Kayshawn Butte could be selected in the fifth or sixth round right now, if anyone has interest in him,” Breer wrote last month.
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