The Houston Texans have reportedly acquired wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots, according to The Ringer. The deal sends safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick to New England. The draft selection originally belonged to the New Orleans Saints.
This move addresses an immediate need for the Texans at wide receiver following a season-ending knee injury to Jayden Higgins, who was expected to hold a starting role. Higgins suffered a torn ACL during a recent joint practice session with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Boutte spent his first three seasons with the Patriots after being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Last season, he recorded 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns, marking a notable performance. However, his position with the Patriots became less certain this offseason with the team's acquisitions of wide receivers A.J. Brown via trade and Romeo Doubs through a significant contract. The Patriots' receiving group also includes DeMario "Pop" Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Mack Hollins.
Trade speculation surrounding Boutte had surfaced during the offseason and into training camp. Addressing the rumors last week, Boutte stated he was focused on the present. "I'm just blocking out the noise. That's the main thing. We all hear the stuff that's going on," he told reporters. "But like I always said, I'm where I'm at. My feet are here, so I'm not worried about what's next or what's behind me. Just being present."
With this trade, Boutte joins a Texans receiving unit that features Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, and Tank Dell. The Patriots, in turn, acquire Reed to strengthen their secondary and gain future draft compensation.