Trade Details
The New England Patriots traded wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans on Monday, according to multiple reports. The Ringer's Tom Pelissero first reported the deal, with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport specifying the Patriots will receive safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round pick.
Boutte had requested a trade in the spring, according to reports, after the Patriots added wide receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs this offseason, pushing Boutte down the depth chart. The 24-year-old was entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Player Profiles
Boutte, a sixth-round pick in 2023 out of LSU, recorded 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games last season. In his Patriots career, he totaled 78 catches for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns across 34 games. He also caught nine passes for 168 yards and a touchdown in the 2025 postseason, including a one-handed touchdown catch against Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. in the Divisional Round.
Jaylen Reed, 23, was a sixth-round pick (187th overall) in 2025 out of Penn State. As a rookie, he played in seven games with one start, recording 14 total tackles and a fumble recovery. He also started both of Houston's playoff games, logging five tackles. Reed missed time last season with knee and forearm injuries.
Context for the Trade
The Texans needed receiver help after losing Jayden Higgins to a torn ACL last week. Tank Dell is also recovering from a leg injury and is unlikely to start the season. Houston signed veteran receivers Zay Jones and Sterling Shepard last week, and Boutte now joins a receiving corps that includes Nico Collins and Jaylin Noel.
The Patriots, meanwhile, gain depth in their secondary, joining a safety group that includes Kevin Byard, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus, and others. The trade also clears space in New England's crowded receiver room, which now includes Brown, Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III.
Reactions
Patriots receiver coach Todd Downing praised Boutte's professionalism during training camp, saying, "It's an example I will use for the rest of my coaching career, the way that he has just been a pro and shown up every day."
Boutte, who had said in July he was taking things day-by-day, told reporters in August, "Ultimately, it's whatever's best for me." He shared photos from his Patriots tenure on Instagram without a caption, prompting a reaction from teammate Pop Douglas.
Quarterback Drake Maye, who developed a strong connection with Boutte, described him as a "comforting receiver to throw to," according to reports.
Outlook
Boutte is expected to have an opportunity for a meaningful role in Houston, which has aspirations for a deep postseason run. The Patriots, coming off a Super Bowl appearance, hope Reed can develop into a solid contributor on defense.
The trade was reported by Tom Pelissero and confirmed by a source to the Boston Herald, with the pick reported by Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport.