The Houston Texans have acquired wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a draft pick. The move comes after the Texans lost wide receiver Jayden Higgins to a torn ACL during a joint practice with the Raiders.
Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, recorded 33 catches for 551 yards and six touchdowns in 10 starts for the Patriots last season. Over his two seasons in New England, he has nine touchdown receptions, tied with tight end Hunter Henry for the most by any Patriots player in that span. His addition aims to help fill the void left by Higgins, who had been projected to be the Texans' second receiving option behind Nico Collins after accumulating 525 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2025.
Boutte is entering the final year of his contract. His role in New England may have shifted following the offseason additions of receiver A.J. Brown and the signing of Romeo Doubs. Boutte had reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his situation in New England, skipping voluntary spring workouts and stating in June that he wanted what was best for him, "whether it’s here or somewhere else."