The Houston Texans have secured wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots. Boutte announced the trade on social media prior to any official confirmation from the teams involved. Reports suggest that Houston exchanged safety Jaylen Reed along with a seventh-round draft pick for 2028 to acquire Boutte.
This move follows an injury to Texans' wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who suffered a torn ACL during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders. Higgins was anticipated to play a significant role alongside star receiver Nico Collins, having recorded 41 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season.
Boutte, drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, had an impressive previous season, achieving 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns. The Patriots found themselves with an excess of wide receivers after trading for A.J. Brown in June and signing Romeo Doubs to a lucrative contract earlier in the year.
In addition to acquiring Boutte, the Texans also brought in experienced receivers Zay Jones and Sterling Shepard over the weekend as they aim to address the gap left by Higgins' injury. The Texans' strategy for the upcoming season remains unclear.