Texans Acquire Boutte for Reed and 2028 Pick

The Houston Texans acquired wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round pick, a move prompted by the season-ending ACL injury to Texans receiver Jayden Higgins. Boutte, who had six touchdowns last season and averaged 16.7 yards per catch, projects as a depth/starting option opposite Nico Collins as Houston reshapes its receiving corps. For New England, Boutte had been on the roster bubble after the team added A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, creating an opportunity to trade him for a tangible asset. The trade fills an immediate need for Houston at receiver while allowing the Patriots to free cap space and roster space behind their new additions. With Boutte’s big-play potential and the Texans’ remaining depth at receiver, Houston aims to bolster its pass game for 2026, while New England recoups draft capital and a young safety in Reed. The deal has been reported by multiple outlets, with NFL insiders confirming the exchange following Higgins’ injury.