NFL

Patriots deal Boutte to Texans in exchange for Reed and a draft selection.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 25, 2026, 02:12 IST

On Monday, sources confirmed that the Patriots will trade wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans.

Patriots deal Boutte to Texans in exchange for Reed and a draft selection.

HOUSTON – In a strategic move to bolster their receiving corps, the Houston Texans have finalized a trade with the New England Patriots for wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, as confirmed by sources on Monday. The Texans will send safety Jaylen Reed, a sixth-round rookie who participated in seven games last season, along with a seventh-round draft pick in 2028 to New England in exchange for Boutte.

Texans React to Injury Setback

This trade comes in the wake of a significant injury to wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who suffered a torn ACL during joint practices with the Las Vegas Raiders. Higgins was anticipated to be a key player for the Texans, expected to serve as the No. 2 receiver alongside Nico Collins. In his rookie season, Higgins recorded 525 receiving yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a dynamic offensive threat. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans described Higgins' injury as "significant," highlighting the impact it has on the team's offensive strategy.

Kayshon Boutte, entering the final year of his contract, had a productive season with the Patriots last year, starting in 10 games and accumulating 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns. Over the past two seasons, he has tied with tight end Hunter Henry for the most touchdown receptions on the team, with nine. However, with the Patriots' recent acquisitions, including receiver A.J. Brown and the signing of Romeo Doubs to a lucrative four-year deal, Boutte's role was expected to diminish, leading to a crowded receiver lineup that also includes DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III.

Looking Ahead for Houston

The Texans are optimistic that Boutte can help fill the gap left by Higgins' absence. The 5-foot-11, 203-pound receiver was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft after a standout career at LSU. In Houston, he will join a receiving group that includes Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, Tank Dell, Justin Watson, and Lewis Bond, all of whom will be looking to support Collins in the passing game. The Texans are eager to see how Boutte can contribute to their offense as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.