Fans want Patriots to keep Kayshon Boutte after viral sideline moment

Cameras at Saturday night's preseason game captured an incredible moment on the sidelines between New England Patriots veteran wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and rookie Nick DeGennaro.

It came after DeGennaro's 37-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter that ultimately won the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie was so excited about scoring his first NFL touchdown that he forgot to keep the ball after the play.

However, Boutte retrieved the ball for his teammate and was seen giving it back to him during the game.

"This is your ball. I'm gonna give it to one of them to pack it for you. Don't ever drop your ball," Boutte told DeGennaro on the sidelines.

.@KayshonBoutte1 taking care of @GennaroNick's first TD ball 🫶 pic.twitter.com/9BlgX7kHoK

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 23, 2026

There have been rumors throughout the offseason that Boutte might be traded, but so far, he has remained with the Patriots. His presence gives the team arguably the deepest wide receiver room that they've had since the Randy Moss and Wes Welker days.

After watching the video, Patriots fans argued that the team should keep Boutte. Some even argued for a contract extension.

Here's how fans reacted on social media to the viral moment:

Yeah aint no trade. Not only is Boutte the best hands on the roster but he a big culture and locker room leader.

— 𓃶¹𝕁𝕚𝕘 (@TheJigStillUp) August 23, 2026

Do not trade Kayshon— I repeat… do not trade Kayshon

— 🇭🇹🇺🇸 MarctheGreat (@Marcthe_Great) August 23, 2026

1 more time for the people in the back https://t.co/EBUM5WZBEe

— GregisKitty (@GregIsKitty) August 23, 2026

Ain’t no way you can trade Boutte.

Good teammate & reliable, homegrown talent that plays hard, shows up in big moments, and demonstrates leadership.

What exactly isn’t there to like? Keep him!

— Trev Reporteraport (@incredelman_11) August 23, 2026

Great teammate don’t trade this man never know what can happen

— Reasonable NBA Fan (@ForumOfGreen) August 23, 2026

Hope we can find a way to keep K.B. for the rest of his career.

— ChiefQuintHooper (@ChiefQuintHoopr) August 23, 2026

Extend the man. Great player and great teammate

— Lord Hawks (@IOWAHAWK15) August 23, 2026

Even thinking about trading him is crazy

— Cole (@bityourbytes) August 23, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Fans want Patriots to keep Kayshon Boutte after viral sideline moment