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Former New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte had himself quite a week in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season.
Pro Football Focus gave Boutte the highest receiving grade in the NFL for Week 9, putting a spotlight on his productive performance.
Boutte recorded four receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns on five targets for the Houston Texans on Sunday. He also generated 41 yards after the catch, demonstrating the explosiveness and big-play ability that made him an intriguing prospect.
The performance stings for New England, which traded Boutte to Houston during the offseason. The Patriots elected to move on from the young receiver as they reshaped their roster, but his latest showing raises questions about whether the organization gave up on his potential too soon. Watching a former player thrive elsewhere is never easy, particularly when the production comes at such a high level.
It also hasn't helped matters that the Patriots' biggest offseason acquisitions at wide receiver, A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, have been sidelined with injuries.
Moving forward, Boutte will look to establish himself as a consistent weapon in Houston's passing attack. For the Patriots, the focus shifts to developing their current receiving options and ensuring the decision to part ways with Boutte does not become a costly long-term mistake.