Texans acquire Kayshon Boutte from Patriots after crushing Jayden Higgins injury

The Patriots have dealt wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to the Texans in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a draft pick, according to multiple reports. The deal comes after Houston had seen wide receiver Jayden Higgins tear his ACL during a joint practice with the Raiders. Boutte is coming off a season in which he started 10 games for the Patriots, recording 33 catches for 551 yards and six touchdowns.And over the past two seasons in New England, he has been able to put up nine touchdowns receptions, tied with tight end Hunter Henry for most by any Patriots player during that stretch. The sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft can help fill the gap left by the Higgins injury. Higgins had been expected to be Houston’s No.2 receiver behind Nico Collins after putting up 525 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2025. Boutte is entering the final year on his contract and would have likely seen his role in New England change after the Patriots brought in star receiver A.J.

Brown and signed Romeo Doubs during the offseason. Boutte had seemingly grown frustrated with the situation in New England and had skipped voluntary spring workouts. In June, according to The Athletic, he told reporters that he wanted what was best for him, “whether it’s here or somewhere else.”...