"Game-changing wide receivers have evaded being signed by the Patriots for as long as most can remember, and it was clear that pattern needed to end going into the 2025 season. Mike Vrabel was very aware of that, and that explains why they chose to sign Stefon Diggs in free agency. His addition to the offensive roster had many fans excited, as Drake Maye would finally have the caliber of weapon that could immediately elevate their performance on day one."
"That didn't mean, however, that he was given many opportunities to contribute. Although that was somewhat expected because he can be a lethal pass catcher, it was more surprising to see another receiver seemingly rise to the top in Diggs' place. There was a lot of hype around DeMario Douglas going into the season opener, but it was Kayshon Boutte who appears to have become Maye's favorite weapon and potentially his next WR1."
"One of the more unexpected parts of the Patriots' Week 1 loss was the rise of Boutte, who had seamless chemistry with Maye that led to the receiver recording the second-best game of his NFL career. Because the offense was shaky for most of the game, Boutte's reliability became the most consistent part of Maye's performance, as he led all pass catchers on the day with an impressive performance, even if he wasn't able to get into the endzone for a score."
Mike Vrabel signed Stefon Diggs in free agency to give the Patriots a game-changing wide receiver entering the 2025 season. Diggs sustained an ACL injury in 2024 but was cleared to play for Week 1 and showed no visible setbacks. Diggs received limited opportunities in the opener and did not become the primary target. DeMario Douglas entered the game with preseason hype, but Kayshon Boutte emerged as Drake Maye's most reliable pass catcher. Boutte displayed seamless chemistry with Maye, recorded the second-best game of his career, and led all pass catchers despite the offense's overall shakiness and not scoring.
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