Last year, Kayshon Boutte emerged as a reliable target for Drake Maye and the New England Patriots. He recorded 43 receptions for 589 yards and three touchdowns, including catching Maye’s first touchdown.

Boutte was one of the few bright spots from last season, as the Patriots’ offense was among the league’s worst, finishing another season with a 4-13 record. The Patriots cleaned house and went with a new regime, led by Mike Vrabel, who emphasized surrounding Maye with talent by adding Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams to the mix at receiver.

Heading into his third year with his third different offensive coordinator, pressure is on Boutte to quickly prove he’s worth keeping, despite questions regarding his future in the offseason.

Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte Must Prove He’s Worth Extending

During the draft and OTAs, Boutte’s name came up in trade talks, as the Patriots were reportedly open to trading him. With the Patriots’ new coaching staff and numerous additions at receiver, Boutte was seen as expendable.

However, these rumors would quickly die down in training camp, as Boutte took first-team reps in camp despite a crowded receiving room. His performance in camp, along with his connection with Maye, has cemented him as a starter heading into this season.

While the former LSU receiver has solidified his spot for now, he must make an immediate impact early this season if he wants to remain a starter beyond this season. Boutte, 23, has two years left on his rookie contract and will be eligible for an extension this upcoming offseason.

If Boutte wants to boost his stock and earn himself a payday, he must do it within the first four games. The Patriots play the Raiders, the Dolphins, the Steelers, and the Panthers in the first four weeks. While the Raiders and Dolphins were both solid against the pass last year, the Steelers and Panthers ranked in the bottom half against the pass.

Boutte has a perfect opportunity to stamp his name on the team for years to come, but he must display progression in his development. Last year, Boutte averaged less than three receptions per game and 39.3 yards per game.

These numbers aren’t going to get him a new deal. Instead, he must put up similar numbers to his last three numbers, where he averaged 5.3 receptions and 80 yards.