NFL

Patriots receive:
2027 sixth-round pick

Texans receive:
LB Marte Mapu
2027 seventh-round pick

This trade came to fruition after it was reported that New England was set to release Mapu.

The 2023 third-round pick fell out of favor last season for the Patriots, playing almost solely special teams during the playoffs. That, and Mapu entering the final year of his rookie contract, made him a prime candidate for release.

For the Texans, this is a low-risk gamble on a player still acclimating to the linebacker position. A college safety, Mapu may still have some meat on the bone as a developmental player.

The Sacramento State product posted 25 tackles and one interception in 2025.