Patriots' Mike Vrabel Explains Kayshon Boutte's Offseason Workout Absence Amid Trade Rumors originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots are suddenly expected to land A.J. Brown when trade talks reportedly resume after June 1, and Kayshon Boutte's name has started popping up in trade rumors.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz has mentioned Boutte's name reportedly coming up in trade talks, as some teams think he is available if Brown is headed to the Patriots. Boutte is not present for the start of the Patriots' voluntary offseason workouts, and Mike Vrabel commented on his absence, per MassLive's Mark Daniels.

"Don’t really try to have a sense of anything (on) why guys don’t come. 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,” Vrabel said on Tuesday." But there are different reasons why guys aren’t here, or we will miss a day. That’s their prerogative. It’s voluntary. We have a few days that are mandatory. We just want to make it a product that they feel like is worthwhile being here. That’s important.”

It seems like Boutte's absence is not related to his name being in trade rumors. However, it is not surprising that his name is showing up in trade talks now that insiders believe Brown is destined to be a Patriot.

Boutte has one year left on his contract, and after that, he is bound to make solid money in free agency. It would make sense for the Patriots to trade him for some kind of return. He will have a lesser role next season if Brown joins the team. Additionally, the Patriots will use 2027 draft picks to get Brown, so if they can get some 2027 picks back for Boutte, they could be in a good spot.

More NFL: Adam Schefter Reports Patriots 'Likely' To Land A.J. Brown In Major Trade Update