Texans acquire Kayshon Boutte as injuries continue to impact WR room

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Texans acquire Kayshon Boutte as injuries continue to impact WR room

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 24, 2026 3:17 PM ET

Injuries have become an unfortunate theme for the Houston Texans wide receiver room, and the team is taking another step to add some depth.

After losing Jayden Higgins for the season and dealing with uncertainty surrounding Tank Dell’s return, Houston has reportedly acquired Higgin's replacement for the season.

Kayshon Boutte is headed to Houston

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Houston is turning to the New England Patriots for help and acquiring wide receiver Kayshon Boutte in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed.

Boutte and Reed have both spent their entire careers with the teams they are being traded from, marking a new journey for both players.

Trade! The Patriots are sending WR Kayshon Boutte to the Texans for safety Jaylen Reed and a draft pick, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports. pic.twitter.com/NZXCdOX4RT
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 24, 2026

Kayshon Boutte is an excellent addition for C.J. Stroud

With the health and production level from Dell being unknown, Boutte will likely slide in the No. 2 receiver role behind star Nico Collins.

With back-to-back seasons of at least 550 yards and nine total touchdowns, Boutte is an excellent addition for Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. Boutte will also force defenses not to put all their attention on Collins, meaning more opportunities for him in the receiving game as well.

Jaylen Reed gets a fresh start with an excellent coach

Reed was sixth round selection by Houston in the 2025 NFL Draft. He appeared in seven games last season, collecting 14 tackles and one fumble recovered.

He'll now head to a New England team coached by a defensive mastermind in Mike Vrabel that could help him continue an upward trajectory in his career.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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