New England Patriots
The Patriots will receive Houston’s 2027 sixth-round draft pick in exchange for Mapu and a 2027 seventh-rounder.
Marte Mapu was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. AP Photo/Nick Wass
April 7, 2026 | 7:32 PM
1 minute to read
The New England Patriots are moving on from one of their linebackers.
After it was initially reported that the Patriots were set to release Marte Mapu, New England announced on Tuesday night that it traded the 26-year-old linebacker to the Houston Texans.
According to The Boston Globe’s Nicole Yang, the Patriots will receive Houston’s 2027 sixth-round draft pick in exchange for Mapu and a 2027 seventh-rounder.
By trading Mapu to Houston, the Texans ensure that the linebacker avoids landing on waivers — where he could have been claimed by another team.
Mapu — who was drafted in the third round (76th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft — appeared in 17 games this past season with New England, logging most of his snaps on special teams. In total, he recorded 25 tackles, five passes defended, a forced fumble, and an interception.
Initially drafted by Bill Belichick as a versatile linebacker/safety hybrid, Mapu showed some signs of developing into a steady contributor. The former Sacramento State standout closed out the 2024 season with 46 tackles, six passes defended, and an interception.
But, Mapu’s role diminished under Mike Vrabel’s tenure in Foxborough during the 2025 season. In total, Mapu appeared in just 11.8 percent of New England’s total defensive snaps last season, losing his spot on the depth chart to other linebackers like Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, and Jack Gibbens.
By dealing away Mapu, New England frees up a roster spot while creating an additional $1.5 million in cap space.
Even with Spillane and Elliss expected back in 2026, the Patriots need to upgrade their linebacker corps going into the new season — especially after moving on from Mapu and Gibbens.
New England has 11 picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23 to 25.
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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