New England Patriots
“I hope it is right here, however we’ll see the way it goes.”
After lacking the Patriots’ voluntary OTA periods, receiver Kayshon Boutte returned to Foxborough for the fist day of obligatory minicamp on Tuesday.
The 2023 sixth-round choose is entering the final season of his rookie deal. He hopes that this season gained’t be his final with the Patriots and mentioned that he’s keen to play at a wide range of receiver positions.
“I wouldn’t thoughts being right here, I do need to be right here,” Boutte mentioned. “Whether or not that’s at X, Z, F, no matter I’ve received to do this’s greatest for me. Whether or not that’s studying the playbook extra or transferring round, there’s just one soccer and there’s 5 of us, you already know?
“However, that’s soccer on the finish of the day. You by no means know who it’s going to, so clearly studying the playbook, totally different positions will assist on the finish of the day.’
Boutte has been the topic of commerce rumors over the previous few weeks. His absence and the addition of A.J. Brown has raised questions about Boutte’s match on this roster.
“On the finish of the day, it’s going to be what’s greatest for me whether or not that’s right here or some other place,” Boutte mentioned in response to a query in regards to the commerce rumors. “I hope it’s right here, however we’ll see the way it goes.”
With Brown and Romeo Doubs added, the Patriots’ receiver room has grow to be considerably crowded with Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism coming back from final season. The Patriots parted methods with Stefon Diggs.
Boutte’s numbers took a slight dip final season. He tallied 551 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, however obtained simply 46 targets final yr in comparison with 68 in 2024.
He made up for it by averaging 16.7 yards per catch, which was probably the most on the crew by a participant with greater than ten catches.
Boutte was requested whether or not he felt the brand new expertise on the roster would possibly make it even more durable for him to get touches.
“I’ll say no. Simply maintain doing what I used to be doing,” Boutte mentioned. “The ball finds me and I make performs. You not often see me drop the soccer, so each alternative I get make the perfect of it.”
Boutte caught 33 of his 46 targets final season. He’s scheduled to make $3.6 million in base wage this season, marking the primary time his cap hit has reached greater than $1.1 million.
“It’s one thing I’ve received to do,” Boutte mentioned of taking part in on his present contract. “If that’s what I’ve received to do, then I’ve received to do it on the finish of the day. I can’t management it.”
Boutte mentioned he loves his teammates and taking part in for the Patriots. Availability and competitors are two issues that would assist him keep right here.
“It’s been getting crowded yearly,” Boutte mentioned. “We discover ourselves in the identical place at the start of each offseason, however on the finish of the day you’ve nonetheless received to come back to coaching camp and struggle.
“No spot is given regardless of who it’s. On the finish of the day, you’ve nonetheless received to exit and carry out.”
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