The Chicago Bears have made several swaps this offseason on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills but didn't make any massive additions to the WR room in an attempt to replace him.
They only signed receiver Kalif Raymond in free agency and drafted Zavion Thomas. Although Rome Odunze and Luther Burden will lead the way in the receiver room, Chicago could use another addition at receiver, which is why the report from Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer should have their attention.
Breer revealed that he believes New England WR Kayshon Boutte can be acquired for a fifth or sixth-round pick. And considering the Bears could use Boutte, this report should catch their attention in the Windy City.
Bears should look to trade for Kayshon Boutte
Boutte is entering the final year of his rookie deal and will be looking to extend it in the near future. Regardless, he could carve out a role as the WR3 for the Bears. Over the last two seasons in New England, Boutte played in at least 67% of offensive snaps, showing he's available.
In 34 career games (23 starts) with the Pats, Boutte racked up 78 catches (121 targets) for 1,159 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Last season, he finished with career-highs in yards per reception (16.7) and touchdowns (six).
The LSU product found ways to make plays downfield, although he isn't the quickest or shiftiest receiver in the league. Adding him to Chicago's receiver room would raise the floor of that group and give them a reliable veteran who would easily be the third receiver on the depth chart.
For the past two years, Boutte has gone over 550 receiving yards, and that's without getting more than 68 targets in a season. An offense led by Ben Johnson and multiple other quality playmakers across the field would put Boutte in an ideal position to succeed while giving Chicago proven depth.
Of course, the 24-year-old would look for an extension if he produced with the Bears, but it likely wouldn't cost too much if they wanted to keep him around. Nonetheless, adding Boutte would give Chicago a receiver who has started and played well in the NFL.
It would push Raymond into the WR4 spot and primary punt returner role, which seems more logical for a receiver who will be 32 years old next season. It also won't force Thomas into serious playing time, as he still needs time to develop some skills.
Read more: Bears may need this one veteran free agent before entering minicamp
The Bears believe the passing game will run through Burden, Odunze, and Colston Loveland as the primary pass catchers, but trading for Boutte would only improve this offense for Chicago in 2026 and potentially beyond.
Add us as a preferred source on Google