Sometimes, the jokes and storylines really do write themselves. Among the New York Giants’ top offseason stories has been whether the team will add a former LSU standout receiver.
Such a move wouldn’t guarantee them immediate playing time, and it’d be a curious decision given the Giants’ other offseason investments. But who needs Odell Beckham Jr. when you could possibly have Kayshon Boutte?
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that Boutte, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is working out on his own rather than at the Patriots’ voluntary workouts.
The Patriots signed former Packers receiver Romeo Doubs in March and are widely expected to trade for the Eagles’ A.J. Brown on or after June 1. Although Boutte hasn’t formally requested a trade, he has quickly become expendable for the reigning AFC champions.
What Giants fans should know about Kayshon Boutte
The most significant difference between Boutte and Beckham isn’t simply their age, but their short- and long-term outlooks. Boutte just turned 24, and there is no indication that the Pats will extend him within the coming months.
If the Giants traded for Boutte, they’d be temporarily investing in someone with the talent to thrive in a new environment. The former LSU standout had three coaches in his first three seasons, and neither Jerod Mayo nor Josh McDaniels was in the building when Boutte arrived in 2023.
Although he’s never exceeded 600 receiving yards, Boutte caught nine touchdowns the last two years. He’s arguably overproduced for a sixth-round pick.
Boutte should theoretically come relatively cheap, too. However, the Giants only have six 2027 draft picks after sending next year’s seventh-rounder to the Dolphins last month.
Should the Giants try trading for Kayshon Boutte?
Perhaps most importantly, the 24-year-old Boutte would join the Giants at a time when rookies are much older than we’ve ever seen.
The combination of NIL and a restriction-free transfer portal allows players to spend five — or even six years — in college, reaping the benefits.
Suppose the Giants use a third-round pick on a 23-year-old receiver next year. Their rookie contract would end when they’re 27. Boutte, meanwhile, could be on his third multi-year contract by then.
The Giants potentially trading for Boutte makes far too much sense. He’s a low-risk, high-reward receiver with age and a team-friendly contract on his side.
Unlike a reunion with Beckham, Boutte wouldn’t initially turn heads either locally or nationally.
However, Boutte could have a future in the John Harbaugh era, and that alone is worth calling the Patriots.
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