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Patriots Trade LB to Texans in Late-Round Draft Swap
New England sends former third-round pick Marte Mapu to Houston in exchange for 2027 draft pick swap.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:03am
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A cubist interpretation of a linebacker's explosive movement, symbolizing the Patriots' trade of a defensive piece to the Texans.Houston TodayThe New England Patriots have traded linebacker Marte Mapu, a former third-round pick, to the Houston Texans. In return, the two teams will swap their sixth and seventh-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Why it matters
The trade allows the Patriots to recoup some draft capital as they look to rebuild their linebacker corps, while the Texans add a young player with potential to their roster.
The details
Mapu was drafted by the Patriots in 2023 and has played in 44 games over the past three seasons, starting 10. He recorded 3 interceptions, 89 tackles, and 0.5 sacks during his time in New England, but saw his defensive snaps decrease significantly in 2025 as he was used more on special teams.
- The trade was completed on April 8, 2026.
The players
Marte Mapu
A former third-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2023, Mapu is a linebacker/safety hybrid who has played in 44 games over the past three seasons.
New England Patriots
The NFL franchise based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, who are looking to retool their roster after a Super Bowl loss last season.
Houston Texans
The NFL franchise based in Houston, Texas, who are adding Mapu to their roster in exchange for a 2027 draft pick swap.
The takeaway
This trade allows the Patriots to recoup some draft capital as they look to rebuild their linebacker corps, while the Texans add a young player with potential to their roster as they continue their own rebuilding process.
