The Houston Texans have made a significant roster move by trading for wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots. The deal includes safety Jaylen Reed and a seventh-round pick in the 2028 draft, addressing a pressing need for the Texans following an injury to wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who tore his ACL during a joint practice with the Raiders on August 19.
Higgins, who was expected to build on a rookie season where he caught 41 passes for 525 yards and six touchdowns, will now focus on recovery. This trade allows the Texans to bolster their depth behind Pro Bowler Nico Collins as they aim to reclaim the AFC South title from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Boutte, a sixth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, has spent his entire career with the Patriots. After a limited role in his rookie season, he played in 29 games over the past two years, amassing over 500 receiving yards in each season.
He contributed significantly to the Patriots’ success, including three touchdown receptions in 2024 and six in 2025, helping the team win the AFC and reach Super Bowl 60.
Despite his contributions, Boutte's role diminished during the offseason as the Patriots acquired AJ Brown from the Eagles and signed former Packers receiver Romeo Doubs. This trade comes amid a period of uncertainty for the Texans, particularly regarding quarterback CJ Stroud, who faced challenges during the playoffs after an average regular season.
