Kayshon Boutte’s absence from the first day of the New England Patriots’ offseason program did not come unannounced.

According to MassLive’s Mark Daniels, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel stated at his press conference on Tuesday that Boutte notified the team beforehand that he’d be foregoing the voluntary program.

“Don’t really try to have a sense of anything why guys don’t come,” Vrabel said, via Boston Herald's Doug Kyed. “It’s voluntary. But I will tell you that Kayshon has communicated, which I texted him and told him that I respected him for doing so."

The timing of Boutte's absence is noteworthy considering NFL insider Jordan Schultz's latest report involving the former sixth-round draft pick.

According to Schultz, Boutte's name has come up with other teams around the league, believing that he might be made available for a trade. He is in the final year of his rookie contract, and the Patriots could be on the verge of a major shift at wide receiver. The team signed Romeo Doubs in free agency, and a trade for Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown is still reportedly "on the table."

Boutte recorded 551 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns in 2025. He finished third for New England in receiving yards last season behind Stefon Diggs (1,013) and Hunter Henry (768), as well as second in receiving touchdowns behind Henry (7).

The Louisiana native will have the opportunity to join the Patriots for voluntary OTA’s beginning on May 27, before mandatory minicamp starts on June 15.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Mike Vrabel reacts to Kayshon Boutte skipping offseason program start