Kayshon Boutte set a career-high in receiving touchdowns (6) in 2025-26. The former LSU wide receiver seemed poised for a step forward in Mike Vrabel’s second year in Foxborough, until the New England Patriots added both Romeo Doubs and A.J. Brown this offseason. Now, he’s heading to the Lone Star State.
According to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots are trading Boutte to the Houston Texans in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a draft pick.
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Houston’s 2025 second-round pick, wide receiver Jayden Higgins, was primed for a breakout of his own this season. Unfortunately, Higgins suffered a torn ACL during joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders last week. His injury left Houston with 2025 third-round pick Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson and Tank Dell on the depth chart behind Nico Collins. Boutte will now compete with that trio to become the Texans’ WR2 in 2026.
New England, the reigning AFC Champions, capitalized on its receiver depth to add Reed to its secondary. The 2025 sixth-round selection made 14 tackles and recovered a fumble in 7 games for Houston as a rookie. He’ll slot behind free agent acquisition Kevin Byard and 2025 fourth-round choice Craig Woodson on the Patriots’ depth chart.
