New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was honest about why the team traded wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans.
"That was one place (at wide receiver) where we do have some depth, and I think for all parties involved, that was probably the best thing," Vrabel told reporters after Thursday's 37-13 preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns.
"Without injuries, Kayshon probably would have been inactive. Unfortunately, it's kind of the way it was ... with him not playing special teams."
Houston acquired Boutte from the Patriots on Monday for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft selection. The Texans were reportedly active in shopping for wideouts after Jayden Higgins went down with a torn ACL on Aug. 18.
Boutte suited up in 14 games last season, including 10 starts. He recorded 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns. Among 84 wide receivers with at least 45 targets in 2025, Boutte ranked first in EPA/target (0.74) and fourth in yards per reception (16.7), according to TruMedia.
The 24-year-old played a crucial role in New England's run to the Super Bowl, posting a combined seven catches for 141 yards and a score in the team's first two playoff victories over the Los Angeles Chargers and Texans.
However, the Patriots made significant additions to their wide receiver room this offseason by trading a 2028 first-round pick for A.J. Brown and signing Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68-million contract in free agency. Other wideouts on the roster include Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams.
Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft, reportedly requested a trade earlier this offseason. He's heading into the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
In Houston, Boutte will play alongside fellow pass-catchers Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel.
