The Houston Texans have made a significant roster move by trading with the New England Patriots to acquire wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. In exchange, the Texans sent safety Jaylen Reed and a seventh-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft to New England.
This trade comes in response to an injury sustained by Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who tore his ACL during a joint practice with the Raiders on August 19. Higgins, a former second-round pick, was expected to build on a rookie season where he recorded 41 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns.
His injury has left the Texans in need of additional depth at the wide receiver position behind Pro Bowler Nico Collins.
Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has spent his entire career with the Patriots. Although he played in only five games during his rookie year, he significantly increased his contributions over the past two seasons, participating in 29 games and accumulating over 500 receiving yards each year.
He scored three touchdowns in 2024 and six in 2025, helping the Patriots reach Super Bowl 60 after winning the AFC.
Despite his contributions, Boutte's role diminished this offseason as the Patriots acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Eagles and signed former Packers receiver Romeo Doubs. The Texans are now looking to leverage Boutte's experience and skills as they aim to reclaim the AFC South title from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
