The Houston Texans have strengthened their roster by acquiring wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots. In return, the Texans sent safety Jaylen Reed along with a seventh-round selection in the 2028 NFL Draft to the Patriots.
Boutte, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, joins the Texans as they aim to improve their standing in the AFC South, currently held by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The trade was prompted by the season-ending injury to Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who suffered a torn ACL during a joint practice with the Raiders on August 19.
Higgins had a strong rookie season, making 41 receptions for 525 yards and scoring six touchdowns, and will now focus on his recovery.
In his tenure with the Patriots, Boutte participated in 29 games over the last two seasons, achieving over 500 receiving yards each year. He was instrumental in the Patriots' success, recording three touchdown catches in 2024 and six in 2025, which contributed to the team winning the AFC title and competing in Super Bowl 60.
However, with the Patriots acquiring AJ Brown from the Eagles and signing former Packers receiver Romeo Doubs, Boutte's role had decreased this offseason.
