The Houston Texans have made a notable roster adjustment by trading safety Jaylen Reed along with a 2028 seventh-round draft pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.
This move comes as the Texans aim to bolster their receiving corps after losing Jayden Higgins, who is out for the season due to a torn ACL sustained during a practice session with the Raiders on August 19.
Boutte, drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, joins the Texans as they look to compete for the AFC South title against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his two seasons with the Patriots, Boutte appeared in 29 games, recording over 500 receiving yards each year.
He had a productive 2024 season, scoring three touchdowns, and followed up with six touchdowns in 2025, contributing to the Patriots’ AFC championship and their appearance in Super Bowl 60. However, his playing time decreased this offseason after the Patriots added AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs to their roster.
The trade occurs amidst ongoing conversations regarding Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, who has faced criticism after a tough playoff outing. Despite these challenges, the Texans remain optimistic about Stroud's future as their franchise quarterback, even as analysts have ranked him lower in projections for passing touchdowns this season. Further insights into the trade and its impact on the Texans' season are still pending.
