Patriots Trade Kayshon Boutte to Texans for Jaylen Reed

The Houston Texans acquired wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots on Monday in exchange for second-year safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft selection, according to ESPN.

Houston moved to secure depth at wideout following a season-ending ACL tear suffered by receiver Jayden Higgins during joint practice sessions last week. Higgins had been projected to start opposite Nico Collins after posting 525 receiving yards and six touchdowns as a rookie.

Boutte enters the final year of his rookie contract following a 2025 campaign in which he hauled in 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns across 10 starts. His role in New England became uncertain after the offseason additions of wide receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs.

Addressing his situation earlier in the offseason while skipping voluntary spring workouts, Boutte voiced his perspective regarding his future with the franchise.

"whether it's here or somewhere else," said Boutte, expressed his desire to pursue the best opportunity for his career.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the team's overall roster status during training camp over the weekend, hinting at upcoming changes.

"a very deep team," said Vrabel, stated his assessment regarding the roster prior to the transaction.

Reed joins New England after appearing in seven games as a sixth-round rookie in 2025, recording 14 total tackles and a fumble recovery. The transaction clears roster space for New England while bolstering safety depth behind starters Craig Woodson and Kevin Byard.