The Houston Texans have made a trade to bring in wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots. In exchange, the Texans sent a seventh-round draft pick along with safety Jayden Reed to New England. This move follows the injury of second-year receiver Jayden Higgins, who suffered a torn ACL during practice.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans commented on the acquisition after a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers, emphasizing Boutte's potential impact on the team's offense. Ryans referred to the addition of Boutte as significant, particularly given Higgins' absence. "Adding Kayshon is a big get for us," he remarked, highlighting Boutte's playmaking ability and prior experience against the Texans.
Boutte, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown consistent performance in his time with the Patriots. During the 2025 season, he achieved 33 receptions totaling 551 yards and scored six touchdowns, which contributed to the Patriots reaching the Super Bowl.
This was his second consecutive season with more than 30 catches and 500 yards, while also doubling his touchdown tally from the previous year.
The Texans aim to fill Higgins' role with Boutte, who is expected to work alongside Nico Collins as a receiver capable of making impactful plays downfield. Ryans expressed optimism about Boutte's growth potential, noting that he remains a young player with room for development. The Texans are hopeful that Boutte's established performance and motivation during his contract year will bolster their passing game this season.
