Returning WR May Determine Commanders' Interest in Kayshon Boutte

With the Brandon Aiyuk saga anything but resolved and league interest around Stefon Diggs still quiet, the Washington Commanders could have another low-cost option to turn to at the wide receiver room via the trade market.

Kayshon Boutte has found himself in the headlines this week after reportedly being open to a trade following news of the New England Patriots acquiring wide receiver AJ Brown, completing a move that many expected the Philadelphia Eagles to make throughout the offseason. While the Patriots are also very likely moving on from Stefon Diggs with Washington a team that was once frequently linked to the DMV native, Boutte's potential departure opens up a chance for other teams to find a mid-offseason solution for their skill players.

Dan Graziano of ESPN reported the Commanders are among the sensible fits for Boutte given the ongoing debate about the current wide receiver room, even if the wide receivers who wrapped up the second week of OTAs give head coach Dan Quinn reason for confidence. Yet whether Boutte emerges as a realistic target could hinge on how Washington views one they opted to re-sign: Treylon Burks.

While veteran Terry McLaurin is the classic 'X' receiver, his expected versatility being moved around the room could add a new dynamic to the passing attack, yet Burks and Boutte both fit in similar roles in the offense.

The decision to re-sign Burks in early March should speak for itself after bringing back the former first round pick following his 130 yards on ten catches in 2025, including a highlight-worthy redzone touchdown in the primetime loss against Denver. It marked a sign of confidence after an inconsistent three seasons with the Titans, amassing just shy of 700 receiving yards on 53 catches and just one touchdown, yet that has as much to do with injuries as it does poor quarterback play.

For Burks, the confidence still sits in what he can become because his ability as an impact receiver aren't supported by his body of work thus far. Burks was targeted three or more times in just four of his nine appearances and registered just three multi-catch games - two of including games with exactly two receptions. Yes, that includes the one-hand snag, but it also includes contested catches over the middle of the field as the 6-foot-2 receiver shows signs of being a threat in a David Blough offense that features slants and crossers along with the vertical attack.

Similar could be said for Boutte, who was limited to five games his rookie season and missed a pair of games due to a hamstring injury in 2025. Yet after former sixth round pick drew at least five targets in nine of his last ten games in 2024, Boutte saw an inconsistent target volume in 2025. After opening the season with six catches for 103 yards in the season opener, Boutte drew three or more targets in just eight games through the Patriots' Super Bowl run. He finished the season with just 551 yards and six touchdowns on 33 catches, yet maybe most impressive about the limited production is all but six of his catches resulted in a first down, adding intrigue to his fit opposite of McLaurin.

Could day three draft capital in 2027 or beyond be enough to add a possible weapon to the wide receiver room? It might, but maybe the more pressing question is whether the Commanders opt to make a move. With week three of OTAs approaching ahead of mandatory mini-camp in mid-June, fans could get their next look at clues as to whether a move at the position actually materializes.

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