“Redemption in the Making: Kayshon Boutte’s Rise from Rookie Setback to Patriots’ Top Deep Threat”
The Patriots trailed by five points late in the fourth quarter of their 2023 season opener against the defending NFC champions. New England, attempting to recover from a 16-point deficit, faced a crucial 4th-and-11 at the Philadelphia 20-yard line with 29 seconds left, down 25-20. Former quarterback Mac Jones threw a pass along the left sideline toward the first-down marker. Rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte’s right foot landed in bounds, but his left foot stepped on the white line. After review, the play was declared incomplete, and New England’s comeback effort ended with a loss to the Eagles.
Following this, Boutte was benched for eight consecutive games, finishing his rookie season with only two catches for 19 yards after being active for just four more games. Determined not to have a repeat experience, Boutte, entering his second season at 22, committed to improving. Reflecting on his rookie year and conversations with Coach Mayo, he was determined to avoid a similar situation. “I refuse to go through the same [expletive] I did last year,” Boutte told Patriots.com, emphasizing his shift in mentality to become one of the team’s top players.
From the start of training camp, teammates noticed Boutte’s increased dedication. He practiced harder, learned the details of new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s playbook, and became a trusted receiver for quarterback Drake Maye. Alongside rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, Boutte was a primary target for Maye during camp, laying a strong foundation.
“He’s so locked in,” said veteran Kendrick Bourne, noting Boutte’s impressive knowledge of the playbook and his active participation in team meetings. Seven games into his second season, Boutte’s stats might not stand out, but he’s maximizing his opportunities, leading all Patriots receivers in snaps since Week 5 with 145. Among 117 NFL receivers, Boutte also ranks highest in expected points added per target (+1.07), catching all deep passes thrown his way and excelling against press coverage.
With five of seven catches against press coverage for 101 yards and a touchdown, Boutte is quickly emerging as the Patriots’ top outside receiver, aligning wide on 83.7% of his routes. In a team long searching for a reliable deep threat, Boutte has begun to deliver in that role.