A.J. Brown’s arrival in New England has given the Patriots the star receiver they wanted, but it may also push Kayshon Boutte closer to the exit.

Boutte is now one of the most intriguing names in NFL trade speculation after the Patriots reshaped their wide receiver room with Brown and former Green Bay Packers target Romeo Doubs. New England has not confirmed any plans to move him, but his path to regular targets has clearly become more complicated.

According to the Times of India, the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs have emerged as possible landing spots, while the Washington Commanders have also been mentioned in connection with the 24-year-old receiver.

The appeal is easy to understand. Boutte has one year left on his rookie contract, carries a salary cap hit of around $3.72 million, and would not require a massive financial commitment for a team looking to add receiver depth.

Why the Raiders could be the cleanest fit

The Raiders appear to have one of the clearest needs, especially as they continue building around a younger offensive core.

Newsweek’s Rowan Fisher-Shotton explained why Las Vegas makes sense as a destination, writing: “The Raiders may be the cleanest fit. Las Vegas still lacks receiving depth and is in the middle of building a younger offensive core, with Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, and Jack Bech currently projected among the team’s top receivers.

“Boutte would arrive as a low-cost, high-upside addition capable of stepping into meaningful snaps immediately while giving No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza another explosive weapon to develop alongside.”

That is why the Raiders should be watching closely. Boutte would not have to be a No. 1 receiver in Las Vegas to matter. He would simply need to give the offense another reliable and athletic target.

Chiefs could turn Boutte into a dangerous bargain

Kansas City may be the more dangerous landing spot for the rest of the AFC.

The Chiefs still have uncertainty in their receiver group, even with Patrick Mahomes leading the offense. Fisher-Shotton wrote that Boutte could fill a clear need without forcing Kansas City into a major investment.

“Kansas City’s receiver room has upside, but it also carries plenty of uncertainty. Rashee Rice remains a key piece, though injuries and off-field issues have complicated his outlook,” Fisher-Shotton wrote. “Xavier Worthy is expected to take another leap, while Jalen Royals, Cyrus Allen, and Tyquan Thornton are still trying to establish themselves as reliable contributors.

“Boutte would offer a low-cost solution with starting experience, giving Patrick Mahomes another dependable target without requiring a major investment.”

For New England, the decision may come down to roster balance. Brown’s arrival raises the ceiling, but it also makes Boutte easier to move.

If the Patriots do listen, the Raiders and Chiefs may not be waiting long.