What happened: Boutte leaves New England entering the final year of his rookie contract. The fourth-year receiver had become a reliable deep target for Drake Maye.
Why it matters: The additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs squeezed Boutte's role in a crowded receiver room. New England can now carry a more conventional six-man group while adding a second-year safety.
By the numbers: Boutte caught 87 passes for 1,327 yards and 10 touchdowns across 38 games with New England, averaging 15.3 yards per reception. Reed has nine regular-season appearances.
What to watch: Watch whether Reed earns a defensive role before final cuts and how Houston deploys Boutte during the remaining preseason schedule.