The Patriots traded WR Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans for S Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round pick, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. The Texans were in need of a shot in the arm at the position after WR Jayden Higgins suffered a torn ACL last week. Other WRs Jaylin Noel and Tank Dell have also missed most of training camp. Boutte had been rumored to be on the trade block since before training camp and was expendable after the Patriots brought in AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs.
What They're Saying: Houston Adds WR Help
Tom Pelissero, The Ringer: “Trade! The Patriots are sending WR Kayshon Boutte to the Texans for safety Jaylen Reed and a draft pick”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Boutte Is Back in Play
The move certainly puts Boutte back on the redraft radar as he likely replaces Jayden Higgins as the outside WR opposite Nico Collins. That makes him a late-round target in redraft leagues as someone who could emerge for the occasional big game.
We currently project Boutte to rank second among Texans WRs in targets and fantasy points, ahead of Noel and Dell.
The Patriots' top three WRs are likely set with Brown, Doubs, and DeMario Douglas locking down three-WR sets.
Second-year WR Kyle Williams could be intriguing as a player to watch on the waiver wire. His deep skills could allow him to pass Mack Hollins and be on the field occasionally when the team needs a big play.
He shouldn’t be a redraft consideration for now, but he’s a player to keep an eye on.
