The New England Patriots have traded wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans, receiving Jaylen Reed and a seventh-round draft pick in 2028 in return. This move comes as the Patriots' receiving corps has become crowded with the recent signings of AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs.
At 24 years old, Boutte found it challenging to secure playing time due to the presence of other receivers such as DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism. Head coach Mike Vrabel stated that the trade would provide Boutte with a better opportunity to contribute in Houston, as he would likely have remained inactive in New England without injuries to other players.
Last season, Boutte played in 14 games, achieving 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns.
Vrabel acknowledged the difficulty of the decision to trade Boutte, highlighting his positive attitude and growth as a player. He expressed gratitude for Boutte's contributions, saying, "I tried to thank Kayshon as many times as I could." In Houston, Boutte is expected to serve as a backup, joining a receiving lineup that includes Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel.
