WhileNico Collins is the top wide receiver most fans point to as the player who could be on the move for the Houston Texans, there's another pass-catcher who could be dangled around for the right price.
Sitting at 2-5 heading into their Week 9 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Texans need something to feel as if their season isn't lost. Should they lose to the winless Bolts at SoFi Stadium, general manager Nick Caserio should field calls for players on expiring deals.
One of those names? Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, whom ESPN could see getting dealt before the Nov. 10 trade deadline to an NFC team looking to make a run toward the postseason. With being wide open in the NFC South, ESPN's Seth Walder has the Atlanta Falcons making a push
for the speedy vertical threat should they win this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid.
"This would be the second time Boutte has been traded this season, after the Patriots dealt him to Houston in August," Walder wrote. "But that was before the Texans traded for Marvin Harrison Jr. (and before the Texans got out to a 2-5 start). The Falcons are 3-5 but not out of the race in the NFC South, so adding a cheap player who could help is not out of the question, and Boutte is exactly that."
So far, Boutte has been nothing more than a depth piece of the Texans' passing game in a brief time with Houston. He's averaged about three catches per game for just under 30 yards and hasn't found the end zone. He's currently averaging 12.9 yards per reception and under 40 percent of offensive snaps.
Given that Houston could net a late Day 3 draft pick back for a receiver who doesn't fit into the long-term plans, this isn't a bad offer. Atlanta is two games under.500, but no one is pulling away with the division title entering November. Adding in another weapon for Michael Penix Jr., especially one known for his vertical presence, could benefit both teams for the remainder of the year.
Moving off Boutte would also open more reps for Marvin Harrison Jr. and Tank Dell. Both receivers have recently joined the fold and could be a part of Houston's plans beyond 2027, though Dell must show he can be a full-time factor in the passing game after suffering a leg injury in 2024.
In his first game back, Dell caught a pass for a gain of 43 yards in the second quarter. He also returned a punt for 14 yards in the fourth quarter.
The Texans must win on Sunday if they plan on making a push toward the AFC Playoffs.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: ESPN names Texans potential trade target for NFC team at deadlne
