Overview
- The Patriots sent Marte Mapu and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Texans for a 2027 sixth-rounder in a trade finalized Tuesday, according to team and multiple outlet reports.
- The deal followed morning reports that New England would release him, and it ensures he bypasses waivers with one year left on his rookie contract.
- Mapu played 17 games last season as a core special teamer and personal punt protector, taking about 12% of the Patriots’ defensive snaps.
- His departure leaves New England thinner behind starters Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss and creates a special-teams vacancy the club is expected to address in the 2026 draft.
- Houston adds a low-cost hybrid linebacker-safety with proven kicking-game value, giving GM Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans another depth option to compete for snaps.