After Surprise Trade, Vrabel Explains Why Kayshon Boutte Was Dealt to Texans Before Patriots' Season

The New England Patriots' surprise decision to trade Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans earlier this week was a product of how much receiver talent the reigning AFC champs added during the offseason.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel explained their receiver depth likely meant Boutte would have been a healthy scratch during the regular season if he had remained with the club:

"That was the one place where we do have some depth. I think for all parties involved, that was probably the best thing. Without injuries Kayshon probably would have been inactive, unfortunately. That's just kind of the way it was with him not playing special teams. I tried to thank Kayshon as many times as I could. I texted him again today."

New England sent Boutte to Houston in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a draft pick.

The 24-year-old was coming off a promising 2025 season with 551 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. His 16.7 yards per reception ranked fourth among all players with at least 30 catches.

New England aggressively pursued receiver talent in the offseason, including signing Romeo Doubs as a free agent and trading for A.J. Brown. DeMario Douglas, who was primarily used out of the slot last season, has received significant reps with the first team in camp alongside Brown and Doubs.

Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III all seem likely to make the 53-man roster. Hollins finished third on the team last season in targets (65) and receptions (46).

Williams, who averaged 20.9 yards per catch on just 10 receptions as a rookie in 2025, will fill the role of the downfield threat with Boutte in Houston.

The Texans are probably thrilled to get a receiver with Boutte's ability at this point in the year. They needed a No. 2 receiver after Jayden Higgins tore his ACL in a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Tank Dell did return to practice earlier this month, but he seems likely to be brought along slowly since he hasn't played since Week 16 of the 2024 season due to a major knee injury that included a torn ACL, MCL, LCL and meniscus damage.