The New England Patriots are reportedly trading Marte Mapu to the Houston Texans after initially planning to release him.
Earlier on Tuesday, ESPN's Mike Reiss reported that the Patriots planned to release former third-round pick Mapu. However, it seems like the Patriots found a trade partner. According to The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander, the Patriots are sending Mapu to the Texans for a late-round pick swap in 2027.
In the end, the Patriots get something out of Mapu, who they were simply going to release. He was selected by Bill Belichick in his final draft in the third round. He started 10 games in his first two seasons, but none last season with Mike Vrabel. He spent most of his time last season on special teams.
He played 120 snaps on defense and 255 on special teams. Moving on was a smart decision for the Patriots. Mapu was a puzzling pick when the Patriots selected him. He had size and versatility, but no real position. He saw time at safety and linebacker, but settled in at linebacker last season.
He spent most of the season as a protector on punts, and there was no real reason to hold on to him. The Patriots now have room to add some depth at linebacker through the draft.
Ultimately, Mapu's time in New England was not great. However, what hurts most is the players the Patriots passed up on to select him in 2023.
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