The Houston Texans have made a notable addition to 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 New England.
Boutte, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, joins the Texans as they aim to compete for the AFC South title, currently held by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This trade was prompted by the injury of Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who suffered a torn ACL during a joint practice with the Raiders on August 19, sidelining him for the entire season.
Higgins had a strong rookie season, recording 41 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns. With his absence, the Texans are looking to bolster their receiving corps behind Pro Bowler Nico Collins. During his tenure with the Patriots, Boutte participated in 29 games over two seasons, totaling over 500 receiving yards each year.
He contributed to the team's success with three touchdown catches in 2024 and six in 2025, helping them win the AFC title and reach Super Bowl 60. However, his role diminished this offseason following the Patriots' acquisitions of AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs.
