Vrabel: Patriots' WR depth led Boutte trade to Texans

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Kayshon Boutte likely would have been inactive for Week 1 because New England’s wide‑receiver group is the deepest position on the roster. The Patriots traded Boutte to the Texans for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh‑round pick, with Vrabel praising Boutte’s maturity and growth from last season. He also noted the WR room includes A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism, all expected to be on the 53-man roster, and that the trade helps both teams given Boutte’s place on the depth chart and Reed’s special‑teams value.