As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, trade rumors are swirling across the league, and one name generating buzz is New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. According to recent reports, the Dallas Cowboys have emerged as a potential trade destination for the 22-year-old pass-catcher, who showed promise during the 2024 season despite playing in a challenging Patriots offense. With the Cowboys looking to bolster their receiving corps and the Patriots reshaping their roster under new head coach Mike Vrabel, a trade involving Boutte could make sense for both sides.
Boutte’s Breakout 2024 Season
Kayshon Boutte, a sixth-round pick out of LSU in the 2023 NFL Draft, entered the league with high expectations but faced a slow start in his rookie year. However, 2024 proved to be a breakout season for the young receiver. Playing alongside rookie quarterback Drake Maye, Boutte recorded 43 receptions for 589 yards and three touchdowns across 15 games, finishing third on the team in receiving yards and tying for the lead in receiving touchdowns.
Boutte’s ability to run crisp routes, find open spaces, and secure contested catches made him a reliable target in an otherwise struggling New England offense. At just 22 years old, his performance in a dysfunctional system highlights his potential to develop into an elite NFL receiver. Yet, despite his progress, the Patriots’ crowded receiver room and new coaching regime have fueled speculation about his future with the team.
Why the Patriots Might Trade Boutte
The Patriots are in the midst of a roster overhaul under Mike Vrabel, who replaced Jerod Mayo as head coach. Reports indicate that Vrabel is open to trading players from the previous coaching staff, with Boutte being a notable name to watch. The team has already made moves to acquire draft capital, such as trading quarterback Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth-round pick earlier this offseason.
New England’s wide receiver room is crowded heading into the 2025 season. The Patriots signed veteran Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency, and they still have DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, and young receivers like Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker on the roster. Additionally, the team is expected to target another wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially reducing Boutte’s role. Trading Boutte could allow the Patriots to acquire draft picks or address other needs, such as their offensive line, which remains a significant weakness.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter recently named Boutte as a potential trade candidate, noting that he could be deemed “expendable” by the Patriots during draft weekend. Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz echoed this sentiment, highlighting Boutte’s availability as Vrabel looks to reshape the roster. While some analysts argue that trading Boutte would be a mistake given his upside, the Patriots’ focus on building draft capital and addressing other positional needs could outweigh the desire to retain him.
Why the Cowboys Are a Fit
The Dallas Cowboys are an intriguing trade partner for Boutte due to their need for depth at wide receiver and their history of making bold moves to improve their offense. Dallas has relied heavily on star receiver CeeDee Lamb, but the team lacks consistent production from other pass-catchers. With Brandin Cooks aging and Jake Ferguson as the primary tight end, adding a young, cost-controlled receiver like Boutte could provide a spark for Dak Prescott’s offense.
Boutte’s skill set aligns well with the Cowboys’ needs. His ability to separate from defenders and make plays in tight coverage would complement Lamb’s big-play ability, giving Dallas a versatile No. 2 or No. 3 option. At 23 years old by May 2025, Boutte has two years left on his rookie contract, making him an affordable addition for a Cowboys team facing salary cap constraints.
The Cowboys have shown a willingness to trade with the Patriots recently, as evidenced by the Joe Milton deal. This prior connection could facilitate negotiations for Boutte. One X post even suggested a hypothetical trade package, proposing that the Cowboys send pick No. 149 in the 2025 draft and a 2026 fifth-round pick to New England for Boutte. While speculative, this reflects the growing chatter about Dallas as a landing spot.
Challenges and Considerations
While the Cowboys are a logical fit, there are challenges to completing a trade. Boutte’s trade value is uncertain, as he’s still an unproven talent with only one productive season under his belt. Some analysts question how “tradeable” he is, noting that his fit in a detail-oriented offense like the one run by Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could be a concern. Additionally, Dallas may prefer to address their receiving needs through the draft, given the depth of the 2025 wide receiver class.
For the Patriots, trading Boutte risks losing a player who could develop into a cornerstone of their offense. With Stefon Diggs coming off a torn ACL and other receivers like Hollins and Bourne not guaranteed long-term roles, Boutte’s production in 2024 suggests he could be a valuable piece for Drake Maye moving forward. However, the opportunity to gain draft capital or address more pressing needs might outweigh the potential of keeping him.
What’s Next?
As the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, all eyes will be on the Patriots and Cowboys to see if a deal materializes. New England holds the No. 4 overall pick and four selections in the top 80, giving them flexibility to make moves. Meanwhile, Dallas, with the No. 12 pick, is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season and could see Boutte as a low-risk, high-reward addition.
Whether Boutte stays in New England or lands in Dallas, his name will continue to generate intrigue leading up to the draft. For the Cowboys, acquiring a young talent like Boutte could provide a much-needed boost to their offense. For the Patriots, moving him could be a step toward building a roster that better fits Vrabel’s vision. Either way, Boutte’s future is one of the most compelling storylines to watch as draft weekend approaches.