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After officially placing WR Jayden Higgins on season-ending IR, the Houston Texans continue to be connected in the latest NFL rumors and projections on their next potential receiver acquisition. While the Texans have reportedly brought in three pass-catchers for workouts, Houston has also made some calls to explore the trade market. Zay Jones, Josh Reynolds and Sterling Shepard have worked out for the Texans, leading to Shepard and Jones signing, but the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots have been floated as potential trade partners. Ravens WR Rashod Bateman and Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte are believed to be the two potential replacements. Bateman is coming off a down season last year, while Boutte is searching for a new home after New England overhauled its pass-catching unit, trading for AJ Brown and signing Romeo Doubs. Boutte is likely the ultimate prize for the Texans’ WR group, but they are likely to acquire the Ravens wide receiver. NFL Rumors: Ravens, Texans Connected to $36M Blockbuster Trade What’s Next There’s no word on what the Texans will decide, but after bringing in receivers for a workout, they could settle for a low-stakes free-agent signing. However, if the Houston wants to make an aggressive move before Week 1, perhaps they could consider Boutte. At the same time, it probably won’t make sense. Higgins will return next year, and with the Texans already having solid WR depth, Bateman sounds like a realistic option. If they got Boutte, it could complicate the offensive future. The former first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft won’t be a risk, but rather a rotational gamble. The Texans will have lower expectations for the Ravens pass-catcher given his production last year. Bateman is expected to generate trade interest midway through the 2026 season, with former third-rounder Ja’Kobi Lane set to replace him. Lane has shown bright spots via training camp and Week 1 of the NFL Preseason. A Ravens trade could be imminent, and the former first-rounder could have other suitors. Other potential destinations for the Ravens wide receiver are on the next pages