The Houston Texans traded for Kayshon Boutte this week with hopes that he will be a solid No. 2 receiver for them behind Nico Collins. That's why it was a little shocking to hear Mike Vrabel say Thursday night that if the New England Patriots hadn't dealt Boutte, he likely wouldn't have seen the field for them because of their improved depth at the position.
Boutte's 33 receptions last season was fifth on the Patriots squad, although two of the players ahead of him were tight end Hunter Henry and running back TreVeyon Henderson. His 551 yards was third on the team and his six touchdown catches was second. Still, in the offseason, the Patriots traded for three-time Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown and signed former Packers receiver A.J. Doubs as a free agent. Those two are going to be New England's top options at receiver with DeMario Douglas also expected to get plenty of time. The backups are Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams, who both play special teams, something Boutte hasn't done since he entered the league in 2023.
"It was one place where we do have some depth," Vrabel told reporters after the Patriots' final preseason game Thursday night. "I think for all parties involved, that was probably the best thing. Without injuries, Kayshon probably would've been inactive, unfortunately. Just kind of the way it was with him not playing special teams."
The Texans traded a 2028 seventh-round pick and second-year safety Jaylen Reed for Boutte earlier this week, a few days after losing their No. 2 receiver Jayden Higgins to injury.
Boutte, who caught a touchdown over Texans' All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., in last season's playoff game, was with the team this week in Charlotte, N.C., for a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers, but didn't participate in team drills, instead working off to the side with a trainer.
#receiver #traded #kayshon
Boutte's 33 receptions last season was fifth on the Patriots squad, although two of the players ahead of him were tight end Hunter Henry and running back TreVeyon Henderson. His 551 yards was third on the team and his six touchdown catches was second. Still, in the offseason, the Patriots traded for three-time Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown and signed former Packers receiver A.J. Doubs as a free agent. Those two are going to be New England's top options at receiver with DeMario Douglas also expected to get plenty of time. The backups are Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams, who both play special teams, something Boutte hasn't done since he entered the league in 2023.
"It was one place where we do have some depth," Vrabel told reporters after the Patriots' final preseason game Thursday night. "I think for all parties involved, that was probably the best thing. Without injuries, Kayshon probably would've been inactive, unfortunately. Just kind of the way it was with him not playing special teams."
The Texans traded a 2028 seventh-round pick and second-year safety Jaylen Reed for Boutte earlier this week, a few days after losing their No. 2 receiver Jayden Higgins to injury.
Boutte, who caught a touchdown over Texans' All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., in last season's playoff game, was with the team this week in Charlotte, N.C., for a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers, but didn't participate in team drills, instead working off to the side with a trainer.
#receiver #traded #kayshon
2 months ago
