The Texans’ receiving depth took a hit before their second preseason game, and now the team is at least exploring the trade market.
Jayden Higgins has been confirmed to have a torn ACL, and he’ll miss the entire 2026 season. That leaves Houston with Nico Collins as a strong No. 1 option, but also a clear need to add another receiver before the season begins.
According to Aaron Wilson of SportsTalk 790, the Texans have already made “exploratory” trade calls. Two names tied to those conversations are New England Patriots wideout Kayshon Boutte and Baltimore Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman.
“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.”
Boutte appears to be the more intriguing swing. He’s under control only through the 2026 season, which makes him a rental, but the upside is there.
Last season, he put up 551 yards and six touchdowns on 33 catches for New England. With the Patriots now having added Romeo Doubs and A.J.
Brown, he’s reportedly available.
Bateman brings more experience, with five seasons in the league compared to Boutte’s three, but his 2025 production was far quieter. He finished with 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games for Baltimore. He may not even be easy to pry away, and he also carries a higher financial cost than Boutte.
Houston is expected to add to the receiver room in some form before the season starts. That could come through free agency, waivers, or a trade, and Boutte and Bateman are two names to keep watching as the Texans look for another target for Stroud before the 2026 season.
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Ravens Are Suddenly Watching A Familiar Steelers Linebacker Closely
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Harrison is now sitting on the roster bubble in Pittsburgh, which gives Baltimore a potential opening to address a need with someone who already understands parts of the defense. For a Ravens team trying to stabilize the middle of the field, the appeal is obvious, but the situation is still unsettled enough to keep this one worth watching. [Read more 🡒]