Houston has found an answer for its receiver conundrum.
The Texans are acquiring wideout Kayshon Boutte in a trade with the New England Patriots, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday. Houston is sending safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round pick to New England in exchange for Boutte.
The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero first reported the news. The trade was processed Monday on the league wire.
Houston wasn’t in the market for a receiver for most of the summer, but Jayden Higgins’ season-ending knee injury created an unexpected need at the position, prompting general manager Nick Caserio to swing a deal with his former employer in New England.
A sixth-round pick out of LSU in 2023, Boutte got off to a slow start before securing a notable role in New England’s passing offense following the arrival of quarterback Drake Maye. In two seasons with Maye, Boutte caught 76 passes for 1,140 yards and nine touchdowns, often producing highlights on deep strikes from Maye. Boutte contributed during the Patriots’ run to Super Bowl LX as well, hauling in seven passes for 141 yards and a touchdown in playoff wins over the Chargers and Texans.
The Patriots addressed the receiver room aggressively in the offseason, acquiring A.J. Brown in a trade with the Eagles and signing former Packers wideout Romeo Doubs. Those moves also created a glut at the position, making Boutte available for the right price.
With preseason winding down and cutdown day approaching on Aug. 30, the Patriots solved at least part of their puzzle at receiver. The Texans, meanwhile, will work to get Boutte acclimated with QB C.J. Stroud quickly.