There's a new receiver in town, and it was arguably the best possible option for the Houston Texans after their devastating loss of wide receiver Jayden Higgins to a torn ACL last week.
In a trade with the New England Patriots on August 24, the Texans brought in Kayshon Boutte in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 7th-round draft pick. While many feel stung by the loss of a productive young defensive back in Reed who flashed some solid upside, the value returned back snagging Boutte from a fellow AFC contender was more than worth the investment.
Boutte is coming off what was arguably his best season as a pro, recording 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. The Patriots had a crowded wide receiver room after trading for AJ Brown and signing Romeo Doubs in the offseason, and Boutte could turn into an important piece of the offense in Houston.
Kayshon Boutte could be a major contributor on the Texans offense
After wide receiver Jayden Higgins went down with a season-ending ACL injury, the Texans needed to address it. First, they signed veteran free agents Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones. Neither of them can handle the WR2 role, and it seemed like Xavier Hutchinson would have to step into it with Jaylin Noel and Tank Dell still fighting through injuries.
With the addition of Boutte, the plan appears to be for him to become the WR2, or the "Z" receiver, opposite of the "X" in Nico Collins. Per ESPN, Boutte actually led the Patriots receivers in routes and touchdowns when he was active last season. His experience could ultimately help him move ahead of Hutchinson and company.
Boutte is a receiver with solid (but not exceptional) speed and size; He is listed as six feet tall, and he ran a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. Statisacally, Boutte had an odd career at LSU over his three seasons. His career-high for catches (48) came in his junior year, but his career-best for yards (735) came in his freshman year and he set a personal best of nine touchdowns as a sophomore.
At the pro level, however, it takes consistency to establish yourself and enjoy a long career. If he can win the WR2 job, Boutte will be able to show he belongs in the league. On the other hand, if he doesn't emerge and contribute for the Texans, he will find himself fighting for a roster spot once again next summer.
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