Patriots Trade Linebacker Marte Mapu to Texans

New England receives 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for Mapu and 2027 seventh-rounder.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and white, conveying the conceptual idea of a roster transaction.The Patriots' trade of linebacker Marte Mapu to the Texans represents a pragmatic roster move, breaking down the player's diminished role in New England.Houston Today

The New England Patriots have traded linebacker and special teams player Marte Mapu to the Houston Texans. In the deal, the Patriots will send Mapu and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to Houston in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round selection.

Why it matters

The trade comes after the Patriots were initially prepared to release Mapu, so getting any draft pick compensation in return is seen as a win for the team. Mapu, a 2023 third-round pick, struggled to find a consistent role in New England due to injuries and coaching changes.

The details

The Patriots will receive a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Texans, while sending Mapu and a 2027 seventh-rounder the other way. Mapu, 26, was a 2023 third-round selection by the Patriots but failed to carve out a significant role on defense, playing primarily on special teams last season.

  • The trade was completed on April 7, 2026.

The players

Marte Mapu

A 26-year-old linebacker who was a 2023 third-round pick of the New England Patriots.

Houston Texans

An NFL team based in Houston, Texas that has acquired Marte Mapu and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Patriots.

New England Patriots

The NFL team that is trading Marte Mapu and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Texans in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round selection.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Matt St. Jean, Patriots Pulpit Staff Writer

“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.”

— Andrew Guindon, Patriots Pulpit Staff Writer

What’s next

The Patriots will look to use the 2027 sixth-round pick acquired in the trade to potentially add more depth to their roster in the future draft.

The takeaway

This trade represents a pragmatic move by the Patriots to get something in return for a player they were prepared to release outright. While the compensation is modest, it's better than losing Mapu for nothing, especially given his limited role and injury history in New England.