SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Kayshon Boutte put together the best season of his NFL career in 2025.

For that, he credits his quarterback.

Asked Tuesday what led to his statistical improvement, the third-year Patriots wide receiver replied: “Drake Maye.”

Boutte undoubtedly benefited from playing with an NFL MVP candidate behind center. Though his reception and yardage totals (33 for 551) decreased from their 2024 marks, he caught twice as many touchdowns (six) and substantially improved his catch rate (71.7%) and yards-per-target average (12.0).

The LSU product leads all New England pass-catchers in receiving yards this postseason (147 on eight catches), and he made one of the greatest catches in Patriots playoff history in the divisional round, beating Houston Texans All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. for a one-handed touchdown.

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Maye, meanwhile, emerged as one of the NFL’s premier QBs in his second season, leading the league in completion percentage, yards per attempt, passer rating, QBR and a slew of other categories.

“I always knew Drake was that guy,” Boutte said. “I always did believe in him, believe in what he could do. When you practice with a guy every day, you see his ability, what he’s able to do, so I’ve always been a Drake Maye believer.”

Thanks largely to Maye’s ascension and the influence of head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots followed up back-to-back four-win seasons by going 14-3, then dispatching the Chargers, Texans and Broncos to reach their first Super Bowl since the 2018 season.

For players like Boutte and slot receiver DeMario Douglas, 2023 draftees who were around for both of New England’s 4-13 clunkers, this run has been especially rewarding.

“Some days, we’ll be sitting there and be like, ‘Damn,’” Boutte said. “We went through the tough times, so now it feels like everything’s finally paying off.”