The Houston Texans have completed a trade with the New England Patriots to acquire wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. In return, the Texans have sent safety Jaylen Reed along with a seventh-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft to New England.
Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, joins the Texans as they aim to reclaim the AFC South title from the Jacksonville Jaguars. This trade was prompted by the season-ending injury of Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who suffered a torn ACL during a joint practice with the Raiders on August 19.
Higgins had a strong rookie season, catching 41 passes for 525 yards and six touchdowns, but will now focus on recovery.
During his tenure with the Patriots, Boutte played in 29 games over two seasons, amassing over 500 receiving yards each year. He recorded three touchdown receptions in 2024 and six in 2025, contributing to the Patriots' AFC title and their appearance in Super Bowl 60. However, his role diminished this offseason following the Patriots' acquisition of AJ Brown and former Packers receiver Romeo Doubs.
The trade also comes as discussions continue regarding Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, who has faced scrutiny after a challenging playoff performance, though the team remains confident in his abilities as their franchise quarterback. Further details about the trade's implications for the Texans' season are still pending.
