Kayshon Boutte will enter his second New England Patriots training camp with a clear head.
Multiple gambling-related charges brought against Boutte recently were dropped, according to a Tuesday report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Boutte, a sixth-round pick in 2023, was arrested in January as part of a Louisiana illegal sports gaming probe.
Kayshon Boutte Cleared of Gambling Charges
In January, Boutte turned himself in on charges of Computer Fraud (felony) and Gaming Prohibited for Persons under 21 (misdemeanor). He was accused of committing the crimes during his LSU career and continuing to bet for roughly a week after being drafted.
Boutte allegedly used an alias to circumvent Lousiana’s age requirement for sports betting and placed nearly 9,000 wagers, including some on LSU games. He was never accused of betting on NFL games after entering the league.
The charges loomed over Boutte throughout the offseason and cast doubt on his future with the Patriots. But he now can prepare for his second camp without any distractions.
“The state of Louisiana has dropped the underage gambling and computer fraud charges against Kayshon Boutte,” Schefter reported Tuesday, citing Boutte’s attorney.
The state of Louisiana has dropped the underage gambling and computer fraud charges against Kayshon Boutte, the Patriots wide receiver’s attorney told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/IlkRGgcffH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 16, 2024
The news likely means Boutte won’t face discipline from the NFL, which in January said it was aware of the charges but had no further comment. That said, given Boutte’s history, he could be under a microscope moving forward as the league cracks down on gambling violations.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss shared a statement from an NFL spokesperson.
“We have been following developments in the matter, which remains under review,” the spokesperson said. “(Boutte) may continue to participate in all team activities.”
For now, Boutte can focus solely on earning a roster spot in New England.
What Does This Mean for Boutte’s Future With the Patriots?
Here’s what first-year head coach Jerod Mayo said when asked about Boutte in May:
“We will wait to hear from the league going forward, but he’s out here. He is doing a good job for us.”
Boutte went on to enjoy a strong spring and now is past his legal issues, both of which bode well for his future in New England. But what are his chances of making the Patriots’ roster?
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The Patriots typically roster five receivers, although they occasionally carry six. For the sake of argument, let’s say they break camp with six wideouts on the roster.
DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, Javon Baker, and Kendrick Bourne are all roster locks. That leaves one spot up for grabs, although a second could be available if Bourne, rehabbing a torn ACL, begins the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Boutte will battle with Tyquan Thornton, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jalen Reagor, JaQuae Jackson, Kawaan Baker, and David Wallis. If we had to bet today, the two spots would go to Boutte, who has the most upside, and Reagor, who also has value as a kick returner.
Boutte starred as a freshman at LSU, but his collegiate career ended with injury issues and on-field disappointment. He occasionally popped during his first camp with the Patriots but was active for just five games in the regular season. Boutte looked better this spring, however, showing more explosion than he did as a rookie.
Ultimately, Boutte might be nothing more than a possession receiver in the NFL. But there’s nothing wrong with that, and New England might prefer someone like Boutte, who’s just 22, over the aging Smith-Schuster, who was banged up and ineffective in 2023.
Regardless, Boutte still has much to prove and is firmly on the roster bubble. Tuesday’s news boosts his chances of sticking with the Patriots, though he still needs to perform well in camp.