What happened: Bleacher Report analyst Moe Moton outlined an acquisition scenario conditional on whether New England retains wideout Kayshon Boutte this summer. Los Angeles currently lacks a proven third pass-catching option to operate alongside starting receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. The Patriots crowded their receiver room by signing Demario Douglas's new positional competition, Romeo Doubs, to a four-year, $68 million deal and acquiring A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in June.

Why it matters: Over his first two seasons from 2023 through 2024, the receiver averaged at least 55% of offensive snaps and totaled 115 receptions for 1,182 yards and three touchdowns. A 36% drop in snap share last year stemmed directly from four other wideouts earning more regular-season playing time under the new coaching regime. Patriots quarterback and MVP runner-up Drake Maye endorsed the third-year playmaker's talent earlier this summer, confirming his value as an inexpensive acquisition candidate for Super Bowl contenders.

What to watch: Whether New England moves Kayshon Boutte during summer training camp will clarify the availability of surplus receivers before preseason cutdowns. Los Angeles must evaluate whether parting with a late-round draft selection justifies filling its primary slot position ahead of Week 1.