The New England Patriots were ready to release Marte Mapu on Tuesday, but the move never materialized. The 26-year-old will still be playing elsewhere in 2026: instead of getting cut by the Patriots, the team reached an [agreement with the Houston Texans](/new-england-patriots-news/125507/release-marte-mapu-linebacker-roster-draft) for a trade.
The Patriots will send Mapu and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to Houston for a 2027 sixth-rounder. Let’s put a grade on the move based on the information we have available so far.
**Bernd Buchmasser:** The overall return on their 2023 third-round investment is disappointing, but if we look at the trade in a vacuum the Patriots can feel quite happy. Sure, jumping up a few spots on Day 3 is not a massive haul, but it’s still better than getting nothing — which the team was initially prepared for. | _Grade:_ **_B_**
**Matt St. Jean:** Mapu was talented coming out, but a number of injuries plus three different coaches in three years stunted his opportunities in New England. With the Patriots ready to move on, getting back any kind of return, however small, is a win on someone who couldn’t find a spot on the roster. | **_C_**
**Andrew Guindon:** New England got some compensation for a player it was ready to release, which is a win for the team. Mapu’s role diminished last season, as he primarily played on special teams. He was on the outside looking in, heading into summer camp. | _Grade:_ **_B_**
**Pat Lane:** Mapu could never quite carve a role out for himself in New England. I believe that’s partly because Bill Belichick insisted on using him at safety, but it was also because he simply couldn’t stay healthy. Whatever the reason was, it was time to move on, so it’s not a total waste to get a pick back for him. The Patriots are still in need of someone with his skillset, so I hope that Mapu not working out doesn’t prevent them taking someone like him in this year’s draft to see if he might work out better. | _Grade: **C**_
_What do you think about the Mapu trade? Do you like it? Do you not? Please head to the comment section to discuss._