Patriots’ Mike Vrabel explains how Texans trade saved Kayshon Boutte from harsh reality

The New England Patriots pushed through with a tough decision on Monday and traded Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans for Jaylen Reed and a seventh-round pick in 2028.

Boutte found himself the odd man out on the Patriots’ receiving corps following the acquisitions of AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs, with DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism also in the rotation.

The 24-year-old Boutte is in the final year of his rookie contract. For coach Mike Vrabel, shipping Boutte to the Texans was a logical move, citing a better opportunity for the fourth-year pass-catcher instead of keeping him on the back burner in New England.

“That was one place (wide receiver) where we do have some depth, and I think for all parties involved, that was probably the best thing,” said Vrabel, as quoted in a report from SB Nation’s Brian Hines.

“Without injuries, Kayshon probably would have been inactive. Unfortunately, it’s kind of the way it was. It’s just with him not playing special teams.”

In 14 appearances last season, Boutte tallied 33 receptions for 551 yards and a career-best six touchdowns.

Trading Boutte was not easy for Vrabel because of his commendable attitude. The two-time Coach of the Year said he made sure to express to his now-former player how much he respects him.

“I tried to thank Kayshon as many times as I could. I texted him again today. It’s just his maturity, his growth, his ability to put into words last year and share his own personal struggle, but also the growth that he made from that. That’s positively going to affect a lot of people,” added Vrabel.

Boutte will likely serve as a backup on the Texans, with Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel already locked in the starting unit.

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