The New England Patriots didn’t have many bright spots last season, going 4-13 in the only year under head coach Jerod Mayo.
New England had potential franchise quarterback, Drake Maye, make the Pro Bowl. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez earned second-team All-Pro. And the breakout season of wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.
Patriots Wire’s Danny Jaillet named Boutte as one of four players on the Patriots squad who should build on their breakout years. Here’s what he had to say.
“Kayshon Boutte went from hauling in only two catches for 19 yards in 2023 to becoming one of the Patriots’ top receiving targets in 2024. The LSU product recorded 43 catches for 589 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. He was arguably the top vertical threat for the Patriots on offense last season. When Drake Maye wanted to go downfield with the ball, he often looked in Boutte’s direction.”
Boutte was third in receiving yards for New England and also tied for the most TD receptions on the team with three.
Boutte Getting Ready for Year 3
GettyPatriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (center).
Kayshon Boutte’s third year in the league will see him have a third different head coach.
The former LSU Tiger was drafted by Bill Belichick, played last under Jerod Mayo and now is entering year one with Mike Vrabel.
During media availability on May 28th, a reporter asked Boutte how difficult it is to learn a new system. Here’s what the third-year receiver had to say.
“Feel like it’s not bad. Since I’ve been in the NFL, I’ve had a new offensive coordinator every year. And then at LSU, too. Three years straight, a new offensive coordinator. So, it’s nothing new to me.”
Another reporter asked a follow-up question, asking if it feels like a new team with the changes happening. Boutte replied, “It don’t feel new. Foxborough’s kinda starting to feel like home, going into my third year. It’s just what I’m used to.”
Kayshon Boutte will have Josh McDaniels as his new offensive coordinator in his third professional season. McDaniels returns for his third stint with the New England Patriots after last serving as the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mike Vrabel On His New Receiver
GettyNew Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel
With organized team and minicamp having taken place, first-year Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel got to see Kayshon Boutte on the practice field.
“He’s gotten in better shape as we started to go on to the OTAs, and I think that’s really started to help him… I like his attitude. I enjoy his willingness to continue to improve and maybe do some things a little differently,” the Pats HC said of Boutte.
The Patriots currently have 12 receivers on the 90-man roster during offseason training. Boutte believes that when it comes to roster cuts, there would only be 6 receivers.
“It remains to be seen how he’ll fit on offense with all of the new additions in New England. As long as he continues to prove himself on the practice field, there will be opportunities for him to make an impact on game days,” Jaillet wrote.
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