The Houston Texans have acquired Kayshon Boutte in a trade with the New England Patriots.
“Trade!” The Ringer and Netflix Sports’ Tom Pelissero reported on X on August 24, citing sources with knowledge of the situation. “The Patriots are sending WR Kayshon Boutte to the Texans for safety Jaylen Reed and a draft pick.”
Houston Trades for Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte: Report
GettyKayshon Boutte joins the Texans in a trade with the Patriots.
Boutte was a popular speculative trade target for the Texans. That was before news broke that they reached out but were unsatisfied with the cost of doing business.
It appears that the Texans were okay with surrendering Reed, who at one point was on track to compete for a starting job, particularly after signing Reed Blankenship in free agency this past offseason.
Boutte, 24, has 78 career receptions for 1,159 yards and 9 touchdowns.
“The Texans have now added the leader in NFL EPA/Target from 2025 to replace Jayden Higgins,” Sleeper’s Jacob Barzilla posted on X in reaction to the news.
Reactions Pour in After Kayshon Boutte Trade
GettyThe Texans drew praise for landing Kayshon Boutte.
Garret Williams (Houston Stressans) praised Texans general manager Nick Caserio, calling him a “mad man,” and saying, “So much for the “not wanting to help a fellow AFC contender argument.” Felt people failed to realize both teams stand to benefit in these trades & differs from org to org.”
Williams called it a “home run trade.”
“Kayshon Boutte has always been extremely underrated & now’s the system,” Williams added, giving it his customary “Blessan” (as opposed to “stressan) designation.
Stoots & Locker’s Landry Locker called it a “solid trade,” underscoring how positively the move–which the Texans made in response to losing Jayden Higgins, even after signing Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones in free agency–has been received.
“Teams have been circling the Pats for Boutte but Houston had the greatest need,” The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones posted on X on August 24, adding about the Texans’ outgoing piece, “Pats get a safety to boost their depth shortly after [Mike] Vrabel expressed concern over the depth.”
Texans Wave Goodbye to Second-Year DB
GettyThe Texans had to part with Jaylen Reed to land Kayshon Boutte.
Over The Cap’s Troy Chapman joined the chorus of supporting the move, but also noting the loss of Reed, saying on X, “Heard NE wanted a 4th. Guess it is a player plus day 3 pick. Don’t like losing Reed for a one year rental but I get it.”
Barzilla posted, “Wish the best for Jaylen Reed who was having a great preseason.”
Meanwhile, Williams said, “Jaylen Reed will be missed, but with the addition of Reed Blakenship & drafting of Kamari Ramsey, I had him as a fringe roster guy.”
The Texans selected Reed in the sixth-round with the 187th overall pick of the 2025 draft. He broke his arm in his first NFL regular-season start. However, started both of the Texans’ playoff games alongside Calen Bullock.
Texans Swing Trade for Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte, Part With Playoff Starter