Texans Trade for Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte

The Houston Texans have acquired wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots in a trade announced on Monday, August 24, 2026. The move comes less than a week after the Texans lost second-year wideout Jayden Higgins for the entire 2026 season due to a torn ACL suffered during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders.

In exchange for Boutte, the Patriots will receive safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick, according to reports from NFL insiders. The trade addresses a critical need for Houston, which was forced to scramble for receiving depth following Higgins' injury. The team had already signed veteran receivers Sterling Shepard and Robert Woods in the immediate aftermath.

Boutte, a 24-year-old former sixth-round pick out of LSU, had been the subject of trade speculation for months after requesting a move earlier this offseason. His request came after the Patriots added established receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, which significantly reduced his role and opportunities in New England. Last season, Boutte caught 33 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 16.7 yards per catch. He also contributed in the playoffs, recording nine...