Texans Reportedly Targeting 2 Intriguing NFL Wide Receivers For A Blockbuster Trade Before Start Of 2026 Season
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Houston Texans are exploring trade options at wide receiver. League sources confirm the team has made calls. The move comes after a major injury to second-year receiver Jayden Higgins.
Higgins tore his ACL during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders. He will miss the entire 2026 season. Coach DeMeco Ryans called it a significant loss and a void the team must fill.
“Very unfortunate news with Jayden going down with the torn ACL. He’ll be out for the year–and it hurts,” Ryans said on Thursday night. “I feel like every time I’ve gotten up and talked, I’ve highlighted Jayden Higgins because of the work that he’s done at OTAs, throughout training camp.
“He was one of our best players, if not arguably the best player on the field when he’s been out there. So it’s a significant loss for us. We’ve got a void to feel there, and it won’t be easy to fill the void that Jayden is leaving behind.”
Houston Texans Look Outside for Bigger Receivers
Two names have emerged as potential targets. Aaron Wilson mentioned New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte as one option. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is the other.
The #Texans have made exploratory trade calls, per league sources.
Among the potential targets: New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
The Texans aren’t expected to have a reunion with former All-Pro receiver DeAndre… https://t.co/rsYk9f3eGU
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 21, 2026
The Texans ideally want a bigger receiver if they add outside help. Boutte offers downfield speed and production. Bateman brings experience on a multi-year deal. Wilson added that a reunion with former star DeAndre Hopkins is not expected. Hopkins now coaches receivers at Georgia Tech.
Higgins had shown promise as a rookie. He finished with 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns. At 6-foot-4, he provided a physical presence opposite Nico Collins. His absence leaves a clear size and production gap.
Houston Texans Depth Chart Faces Pressure
Tank Dell continues his recovery from a major prior knee injury. Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson remain options on the roster. The team may also lean more on tight end Dalton Schultz.
Exploratory talks do not guarantee a deal. Any trade would need to fit the salary cap and draft capital available. The Texans enter the season with Super Bowl aspirations. Adding a proven pass-catcher could strengthen the offense around C.J. Stroud.
The Houston Texans continue evaluating internal options while keeping trade doors open before the regular season begins.
