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 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.
Instant grades: Patriots trade LB Marte Mapu to Texans
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
What do you think about the Mapu trade? Do you like it? Do you not? Please head to the comment section to discuss.
