Notable absence from Patriots facility answers big question about AJ Brown trade

Rumors connect the Patriots to an A.J. Brown trade with the Eagles, with speculation about what Philadelphia would receive beyond a future first-round pick. Kayshon Boutte is widely viewed as the Patriots’ best trade asset, and the Eagles are likely monitoring him. ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that Boutte has not been working out at the Patriots’ facility this offseason and has instead trained away from the team. His earlier absence from OTAs was initially treated as minor, but the timing now coincides with renewed trade talk. Proposed deal scenarios make it plausible that Boutte could be included. The Patriots have added receivers, including Makai Lemon, but may still seek additional talent to strengthen the offense around Jalen Hurts.

"Because there is a lot of speculation about what Philadelphia might receive in a return beyond a future first-round pick, there has been increased interest in Kayshon Boutte, who is widely considered the Patriots' best trade chip, whom the Eagles probably have their eye on."

"In his weekly breakdown of the happenings around the Patriots, Reiss mentioned that Boutte has not been working out at the team facility this offseason and has instead chosen to do so away from the team."

"That made headlines earlier this offseason when Boutte was noticeably absent from OTAs, but that was quickly deemed a non-story. But now that the inevitable trade for Brown is right around the corner, Boutte's lack of interest in offseason activities with the Patriots is fueling more rumors, and, based on some of the proposed trade deals, seeing him included in a package to the Eagles wouldn't be all that surprising."

"Although they have added a handful of receivers to their offense this offseason, even drafting Makai Lemon in the first round, it's not outlandish to believe that they would want to add even more talent to the receiving corps if they offload Brown to another team. Clearly, they are prioritizing building an improved offense around QB Jalen Hurts, and moving on from Brown doesn't help that goal. Adding a player like Boutte would be especially helpful, since his best football appears to be"

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