Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte shows growth by handling limited targets with maturity and a team-first mindset
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 25, 2025, 22:15 IST
Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte shows growth by handling limited targets with maturity and a team-first mindset
Highlight of the story: New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is embracing a mature, team-first approach to his role despite inconsistent targets early in the season. Once known for openly expressing frustration, the 23-year-old now credits his personal growth and veteran mentorship for his ability to handle limited opportunities with perspective and positivity.
Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is demonstrating that maturity is as potent as talent in the National Football League. The 23-year-old New England Patriots player, who has endured mixed opportunities in the passing game this season, is demonstrating improvement by taking a more measured and team-oriented approach.
Boutte got the season started with a breakout game, posting six catches for 103 yards in Week 1. He was followed up a week later with one target in Week 2, which he converted into a highlight-reel, one-handed touchdown. Last week, his production fell to two catches for 28 yards. Despite the inconsistency, Boutte indicates that he is resolute to remain upbeat.
“I think every receiver really wants the ball,” Boutte told MassLive. “But you’re not always going to get all the targets in the world, especially when we’re distributing the ball to different guys. I think focusing on week by week, trying not to be selfish and think about ‘you’ a lot, but think about the team.”
That perspective reflects significant growth for Boutte, who just two seasons ago expressed frustration about his role. In October 2024, he publicly stated that he had asked coaches for more targets, saying he felt he “shouldn’t have to ask.” Now, entering his third NFL season, he acknowledges a new mindset.
“I’d say I’ve grown a lot,” Boutte said. “Coming in two years ago, used to being in college, the ball coming to you, everything like that. Just being that dude. Now, it’s just like fitting in… You’ve got to understand that not every situation is about you.”
Boutte's path to adulthood hasn't come easily. A five-star signee at LSU, he was once a guarantee first-round pick before ankle surgeries curbed his college success. Patriots sixth-round draft choice of 2023, he saw limited action as a rookie with only two catches for 19 yards. His season in 2024 was his coming-out year, with 43 receptions for 589 yards and three scores.
Veteran guidance has also been a factor. Stefon Diggs, one of the Patriots’ top receivers, said he has encouraged Boutte to remain patient. Diggs reminded him that early in his own career, he was a healthy scratch for three games. “The ball is going to be spread around. Don’t hang your head,” Diggs said. “There’s going to come a time where they need all of us.”
For Boutte, the perspective is grounding. “It’s great. I get to do what I love,” he said. “I’ve been doing it since I was 5 years old. This is my life.”
The rest of the Patriots' season has them maintaining steam as they push to continue developing players like Boutte, who is slowly but surely maturing along the way.
Boutte got the season started with a breakout game, posting six catches for 103 yards in Week 1. He was followed up a week later with one target in Week 2, which he converted into a highlight-reel, one-handed touchdown. Last week, his production fell to two catches for 28 yards. Despite the inconsistency, Boutte indicates that he is resolute to remain upbeat.
“I think every receiver really wants the ball,” Boutte told MassLive. “But you’re not always going to get all the targets in the world, especially when we’re distributing the ball to different guys. I think focusing on week by week, trying not to be selfish and think about ‘you’ a lot, but think about the team.”
That perspective reflects significant growth for Boutte, who just two seasons ago expressed frustration about his role. In October 2024, he publicly stated that he had asked coaches for more targets, saying he felt he “shouldn’t have to ask.” Now, entering his third NFL season, he acknowledges a new mindset.
“I’d say I’ve grown a lot,” Boutte said. “Coming in two years ago, used to being in college, the ball coming to you, everything like that. Just being that dude. Now, it’s just like fitting in… You’ve got to understand that not every situation is about you.”
Boutte's path to adulthood hasn't come easily. A five-star signee at LSU, he was once a guarantee first-round pick before ankle surgeries curbed his college success. Patriots sixth-round draft choice of 2023, he saw limited action as a rookie with only two catches for 19 yards. His season in 2024 was his coming-out year, with 43 receptions for 589 yards and three scores.
Veteran guidance has also been a factor. Stefon Diggs, one of the Patriots’ top receivers, said he has encouraged Boutte to remain patient. Diggs reminded him that early in his own career, he was a healthy scratch for three games. “The ball is going to be spread around. Don’t hang your head,” Diggs said. “There’s going to come a time where they need all of us.”
For Boutte, the perspective is grounding. “It’s great. I get to do what I love,” he said. “I’ve been doing it since I was 5 years old. This is my life.”
The rest of the Patriots' season has them maintaining steam as they push to continue developing players like Boutte, who is slowly but surely maturing along the way.