Rashee Rice uncertainty makes this Patriots receiver a logical Chiefs target

With the NFL draft in the rearview mirror and OTAs just around the corner, the Chiefs roster feels like it is all but finalized. Kansas City has completely retooled its secondary, strengthened its defensive line, and returned its top players from last season. But with several talented free agents and potential trade candidates across the league, the Chiefs may not be done at one position: wide receiver.

The only prominent addition the Chiefs made at WR this offseason came via the draft, with the selection of fifth-round pick Cyrus Allen out of Cincinnati. But it's not as if the Chiefs are out of time (or options) before the start of the season to give Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid another reliable pass catcher.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte could be available on the trade block for a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick.

Kayshon Boutte still has untapped upside

While many eyes are on top free agents like Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, and Debo Samuel, the Chiefs have 10 picks in the 2027 draft, and some talented receivers will be available for trade. Many teams have crowded WR rooms and will be looking to move on from pass catchers with expiring contracts, or who may wind up being cap casualties despite being talented. Maybe my favorite of these guys is Boutte, an under-the-radar receiver for the Pats.

Boutte has not been the most productive wideout in the league, but his talent has shown in flashes, just as it did in college. As a freshman receiver at LSU, Boutte showed up to Baton Rouge as a five-star recruit and the number one player in the state of Louisiana. From day one, he looked as advertised with 735 yards over just 10 games with the Tigers.

As a sophomore, many hoped Boutte would make a significant jump, and after 9 TD catches in 6 games, he seemed to be making the leap people had hoped for. But a major ankle injury against Kentucky ended his season, and he struggled to bounce back to his freshman form. Despite his sophomore and junior struggles, Boutte declared early and was a sixth-round pick for the Patriots in the 2023 draft.

While he did not play much as a rookie, Boutte stepped into a much bigger role in 2024, showing the skills scouts were so excited about when he came on to the scene as a freshman. Over the last two seasons, Boutte has totaled 76 receptions, 1,140 yards, and 9 touchdowns, at times serving as the Patriots' top pass catcher.

Boutte has an exceptional release off the line of scrimmage, and while he only has an average WR frame at 6-0, 200 lbs, he is plenty physical on the outside. The biggest issues you see from Boutte are a lack of refined detail and consistency, but his elite athleticism makes it easier for him to stay ahead of the game and make a consistent impact.

For the Chiefs, a team that does not like to make hefty investments at WR, Boutte feels like the perfect pickup, either via trade or in next year's free agent class. He is a wildly talented and versatile receiver who can line up at any of the wide receiver spots in the Chiefs' offense. The general understanding is that Boutte could be acquired for a day three pick, and potentially even a mid-day three swap.

Chiefs have room to take another swing at receiver

The Chiefs' current WR room consists of Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton as the only 100% locks for the week-one roster. Behind them, Cyrus Allen and Jalen Royals are very likely to make the team, and the sixth spot is up for grabs. Guys like Jeff Caldwell, Nikko Remigio, and Andrew Armstrong will fight for the spot, although the Chiefs have even carried seven receivers in the past.

A trade for Boutte becomes even more relevant when you factor in the inconsistent availability of Chiefs receivers. With Rashee Rice's off-field legal issues and Xavier Worthy's injury history, a reliable pass catcher like Boutte could make a lot of sense. Rashee Rice will miss OTAs after a probation violation, and the Chiefs desperately need consistency from their playmakers in 2026.

Boutte would immediately become one of the best receivers on the roster and would make a major difference in the Chiefs' offense from day one. Kansas City could really use some added beef to the wide receiver room, and Boutte would bring that in bunches. If he were available for a late-day-three pick or a swap of a fifth for a sixth, the Chiefs should have no problem making their move with New England before the start of the season.

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