Patriots urged to cut ties with Kayshon Boutte, acquire Eagles' $96 million record-breaking WR originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With the NFL Draft concluding on Sunday, it’s time for the New England Patriots to analyze their current roster and contemplate moves that could set themselves up for a successful 2026-27 campaign.
After all, New England is fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, and with the right offseason move, the organization could get over the hump next season.
The Athletic’s Chad Graff believes the franchise should consider trading Kayshon Boutte to the Philadelphia Eagles for a record-breaking 28-year-old wide receiver (in 2023, he broke the previous record for most consecutive games for 125+ receiving yards).
"In full disclosure, we’re treating Boutte here as a substitution for the aforementioned Brown, since it seems like just a matter of time until (A.J.) Brown becomes a Patriot, and Boutte seems the most likely receiver to head to Philadelphia in a trade," Graff wrote Monday."
“With Brown in the fold, this would be a strong group of receivers. That said, if a deal doesn’t get done, this position looks like a weakness entering Year 3 with Drake Maye."
The Eagles all but confirmed their intent to trade Brown by drafting USC wideout Makai Lemon in the first round of the draft (No. 20 overall). It appears the Eagles are preparing for life without their three-time Pro Bowler, with Lemon expected to be a significant part of Philadelphia's offense going forward.
After NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the pick, ESPN’s Adam Schefter was quick to reveal that the move improved the odds of the Eagles trading Brown to New England later this offseason.
"By trading up to the draft USC WR Makai Lemon, the Eagles land more insurance for June’s expected A.J. Brown trade to New England," Schefter wrote on X/Twitter last Thursday.
Simply put, the Patriots are well on their way to acquiring the three-time All-Pro receiver and instantly bolstering their receiving core.
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