The Houston Texans are adding much-needed depth at wide receiver.Â
Houston has agreed to a deal to acquire wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick, The Ringer reported on Monday.Â
The draft selection sent to New England originally belonged to the New Orleans Saints, according to NFL Network.
The trade addresses an immediate roster need for Houston following a season-ending knee injury to wide receiver Jayden Higgins during last week’s joint practice session with the Las Vegas Raiders. Higgins was expected to hold a starting role in the Houston offense before suffering a torn ACL.
Boutte spent his first three seasons with New England after being selected in the 2023 draft. Last season, the receiver recorded 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns in a bit of a breakout year.
However, Boutte became expendable this offseason following the Patriots’ moves at wide receiver. They made a big trade for A.J. Brown and signed Romeo Doubs to a pricey contract. Brown and Doubs joined a wide receiver room that also features DeMario “Pop” Douglas, Kyle Williams and Mack Hollins.Â
So, Boutte’s name emerged in trade rumors over the offseason and into training camp. He addressed the trade speculation during training camp last week.
“I’m just blocking out the noise. That’s the main thing. We all hear the stuff that’s going on,” Boutte told reporters. “But like I always said, I’m where I’m at. My feet are here, so I’m not worried about what’s next or what’s behind me. Just being present.”
In return, New England acquires Reed to bolster their secondary along with future draft compensation. Boutte now joins a Houston receiving group that features Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, and Tank Dell.
