Texans linked to Patriots, Ravens WRs in trade talks after Jayden Higgins injury

The Houston Texans got some terrible news ahead of their second preseason game, as Jayden Higgins was confirmed to have a torn ACL and will miss the entire 2026 season.

Nico Collins is a good No. 1 WR, and they have some interesting depth options as well. But the Texans most likely need to add another receiver, and they've already reportedly had some trade talks.

According to Aaron Wilson for SportsTalk 790, the Texans have made "exploratory" trade calls, and two of their potential targets are New England Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte and Baltimore Ravens WR Rashod Bateman.

Texans linked to Kayshon Boutte, Rashod Bateman in trade talks

"The Texans have made exploratory trade calls, per league sources," Wilson writes. "Among the potential targets: New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman."

These two receivers would make for an interesting set of upgrades for the Texans' wide receiver room behind Collins.

Of the two, however, Boutte stands out as the much higher upside option. He is only under control for the 2026 season, so he's a rental, but with some high upside, he'd be a nice pickup.

Boutte had 551 yards and six touchdowns on 33 receptions last season for the Patriots, and now that they've added Romeo Doubs and A.J. Brown, Boutte is reportedly available.

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Bateman is a bit more experienced, playing in five seasons to Boutte's three, but is coming off a much worse year for Baltimore.

He caught just 19 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games for the Ravens last year, and might not even be readily available for trade. Plus, he's a bit more expensive financially than Boutte.

The Texans are likely to add to this WR room in some capacity before the season begins, and the only question is whether it's a signing in free agency, a claim off waivers, or a trade.

Boutte and Bateman are two WR options to watch, as it would not be a surprise for Stroud to get either as a new target before the 2026 season.

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