The Houston Texans have acquired wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots, a move confirmed by Boutte on social media Monday. Multiple reports indicate Houston sent safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick to the Patriots in exchange for Boutte. This acquisition follows a severe knee injury to the Texans' No. 2 receiver, Jayden Higgins, who tore his ACL during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday.
Higgins, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, was expected to form a key receiving duo with Nico Collins in the Texans' offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud. Higgins recorded 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns during his rookie season last year. His injury leaves a void that the Texans are actively working to fill.
To address Higgins' absence, the Texans also signed veteran receivers Zay Jones and Sterling Shepard over the weekend. Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, brings a proven track record, having posted 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns last season.
The New England Patriots, meanwhile, had a crowded wide receiver depth chart. The team had previously traded for A.J. Brown in June and signed Romeo Doubs to a four-year contract worth $68 million in March, contributing to their decision to move Boutte.