Marte Mapu primarily played on special teams last season, appearing in all 17 regular-season games for the Patriots
Marte Mapu primarily played on special teams last season, appearing in all 17 regular-season games for the PatriotsDanielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
The Patriots plan to release linebacker Marte Mapu, a league source confirmed Tuesday.
Mapu, who was entering the final year of his rookie contract, appeared in all 17 regular-season games last season, functioning primarily as a special teamer. He was on the field for just 11.8 percent of the defense’s snaps as a depth piece behind Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, and Jack Gibbens.
Although Spillane and Elliss are both set to return, inside linebacker is a position of need after the Patriots let Gibbens walk and released Jahlani Tavai. The team signed veteran K.J. Britt, who can help fill the void on special teams, while Chad Muma and practice-squad member Otis Reese IV round out the depth chart.
The Patriots drafted Mapu out of Sacramento State in the third round in 2023. Then-coach Bill Belichick praised Mapu’s versatility and football IQ, with teammates echoing similar sentiments. But Mapu earned a minimal role as a rookie. His playing time increased under Jerod Mayo in 2024, when he primarily played strong safety and logged 72 percent of the defense’s snaps.
After the Patriots hired Mike Vrabel, Mapu’s third coach in as many seasons, the team opted to move Mapu back to full-time linebacker. The change in scheme and staff ended up not being a fit.
Mapu finished with three interceptions, five forced fumbles, 12 passes defensed, and 89 tackles in three seasons with the Patriots.
Of New England’s 12 draft picks in 2023, four remain on the roster: cornerback Christian Gonzalez (17th), wide receivers Kayshon Boutte (187th) and DeMario Douglas (210th), and punter Bryce Baringer (192nd).
Of 10 draft picks in 2020, one remains — right guard Michael Onwenu. Two of eight remain from 2021 (defensive tackle Christian Barmore and running back Rhamondre Stevenson), one of 10 remains from 2022 (cornerback Marcus Jones), and two of eight remain from 2024 (quarterback Drake Maye and offensive lineman Caedan Wallace).
The Patriots own 11 draft picks this year. In addition to inside linebacker, their needs include offensive line, tight end, and edge rusher. The 2026 NFL Draft will be held April 23 t
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com. Follow her on X @nicolecyang.