Will the New England Patriots miss Kayshon Boutte?
If you ask Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans? Plenty.
“Adding Kayshon is a big get for us. We tried to go out and find a guy the caliber of Kayshon,” said the Texans coach on Wednesday. “We played against Kayshon multiple times over the past couple years. He’s continued to make plays time and time again. He’s shown up.
“He’s a young player, still an ascending player with a lot to improve upon, a lot to grow. So I’m excited to work with a young player who still has a very bright and promising future. He has that big-playmaking ability already.”
A reliable target in New England
Ryans may have been laying it on a little thick about the former Patriots receiver, who went to Houston for reserve safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick.
Boutte does indeed leave a void in New England. He made some huge plays in 2025, catching 33 passes on 46 balls (72 percent) with six regular-season TDs. He added nine grabs for 168 yards in the playoffs.
Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
He and Maye clicked
The synergy with Drake Maye was undeniable. And yes, he was well-liked in the receiver room for sure.
“It was tough (seeing him traded),” said DeMario “Pop” Douglas. “That’s my guy. That’s who I came in with. He’s my brother, forever brother.
“That was good, just to see his progress. That was amazing. That’s a real-life story of trusting the process. Just watching his story is amazing.”
Where does responsibility lie now?
Ultimately, it will be A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, who decide whether or not New England misses him.
The deal also pushes Mack Hollins, Douglas and enigmatic Kyle Williams into more prominent roles.
Somebody needs to step in as the No. 3 guy, something Boutte did quite well in his two years with Maye.
The LSU product, going into a contract year, was recruited over. The Patriots will certainly hear about it if he makes noise in Houston and things go awry in Foxborough.
