The New England Patriots have all the answers they need in their wide receiver room.
An AFC contender, meanwhile, is gunning for an intriguing option in that room.
The Houston Texans have made “exploratory trade calls”, with Kayshon Boutte among the potential targets, KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on Aug. 21.
Wilson added that Rashod Bateman of the Baltimore Ravens is second name Houston has explored. The Texans ideally would like a bigger receiver if they turn outside the organization for help, according to Wilson.
Boutte has been surrounded by trade speculation for months, but Houston’s circumstances could make the Patriots less inclined to move him cheaply.
Texans’ Injury Blow Gives Patriots Leverage on Boutte
GettyFOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 18: Kayshon Boutte #9 of the New England Patriots catches a touchdown pass against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Houston’s search intensified after Jayden Higgins suffered a torn ACL during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders. The second-year receiver will miss the 2026 season after producing 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, via NFL.com.
That leaves a sizable opening in a Texans offense expecting Higgins to handle an expanded role.
The Patriots appear well aware of Houston’s predicament.
The Houston Chronicle reported that the Texans have contacted multiple teams about receivers since Higgins’ diagnosis and specifically inquired about Boutte.
New England’s asking price, however, was reportedly higher than Houston was willing to pay.
The Chronicle also reported that the Patriots would prefer sending Boutte to an NFC team rather than strengthening another AFC contender.
Under ordinary circumstances, the outlet estimated Boutte could bring back a fifth- or sixth-round pick, but Houston’s urgent need could drive the price higher.
New England has reason to be patient.
Boutte caught 33 passes for 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns in 14 regular-season games in 2025. His 16.7 yards per reception showcased the downfield element he brings to the offense.
Houston saw that ability firsthand when Boutte made a one-handed touchdown catch in New England’s divisional-round victory over the Texans last January.
Patriots Have a Decision to Make With Crowded WR Room
Boutte’s availability has been a storyline since New England added A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs during an offseason overhaul of the receiving corps.
The Patriots entered training camp with seven receivers intending to snag roster spots. That depth leaves New England positioned to listen when another team calls.
Boutte is also going into the final season of his rookie contract, so trading him now would allow the Patriots to extract value ASAP rather than risk losing him in free agency next spring.
The 24-year-old has understood that possibility throughout camp.
“My feet are here today,” Boutte told Boston.com in July while addressing the trade speculation. He added that moving elsewhere is simply part of the business.
For New England, the equation has changed slightly. The Patriots no longer have to wonder whether teams value Boutte enough to make a call. Houston has reportedly done exactly that.
The question is whether the Texans — or another receiver-needy club — will offer enough for New England to part with one of Drake Maye’s most productive downfield targets.
Patriots’ Deep Threat WR Draws ‘Exploratory’ Trade Calls From Texans: Report