Texans Acquire Kayshon Boutte in Trade With Patriots

Houston Adds Much Needed Receiver Help

The Houston Texans have made a move to strengthen their wide receiver room, acquiring Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh round draft pick. The trade comes at an important time for Houston after second year wide receiver Jayden Higgins suffered a season ending ACL injury.

Boutte, 24, gives the Texans another talented option alongside star receiver Nico Collins. The former LSU standout spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with New England after being selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Boutte Brings Proven Production

Boutte has steadily developed since entering the league. Last season, he recorded 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns while appearing in 14 games, including 10 starts. His production gives Houston a proven receiver who can step into a significant role immediately.

The move also gives quarterback C.J. Stroud another weapon heading into the 2026 season. With Higgins no longer available, Houston needed to find a player capable of taking on additional snaps, and Boutte could quickly become an important part of the offense.

Patriots Add Defensive Help

For New England, the trade addresses a different need. The Patriots have added Reed to their secondary while also receiving a future seventh round pick.

Reed was selected by Houston in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he appeared in seven games, making one start while recording 14 tackles and a fumble recovery. He also started both of the Texans’ playoff games last season.

New England’s decision to move Boutte also comes after the Patriots added significant competition at receiver during the offseason, including A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs.

A Trade That Helps Both Teams

The Texans clearly made the move with an immediate need in mind, while the Patriots gain defensive depth and draft capital.

For Houston, Boutte now has an opportunity to take on a much larger role and prove he can become a consistent target in Stroud’s offense. For New England, Reed provides another young piece for a defense that hopes to remain one of the team’s strengths.

With the regular season approaching, the trade could have an immediate impact on both teams. For Boutte, however, the move represents a fresh start and an opportunity to make his mark in Houston.