FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 26: Marte Mapu #15 of the New England Patriots reacts after a tackle during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Update 4/7/2026: Patriots reverse course, trade Marte Mapu to Texans instead of release
Marte Mapu will indeed be leaving the New England Patriots, but his departure will happen differently than previously reported. Instead of getting released, he has been traded to the Houston Texans.
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According to a report by Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, the two teams reached an agreement on a late-round pick exchange in 2027.
Original story 4/7/2026: Patriots release former third-round draft pick Marte Mapu
The New England Patriots are fine-tuning their roster leading up to the NFL Draft, and their latest transaction sees them part ways with a former high draft pick.
Linebacker and special teamer Marte Mapu, a third-round selection in 2023, has been released by the club. Mike Reiss of ESPN was first to report the move.
Mapu, 26, originally joined the Patriots as the 76th overall selection in the 2023 draft out of Sacramento State. The hybrid safety and linebacker, who committed fully to the latter position in 2025, went on to appear in a combined 48 regular season and playoff games with 10 starts over his first three seasons with the club. He registered 90 total tackles, five forced fumbles and three interceptions along the way.
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While Mapu had his flashes, his defensive impact was limited. Last season, he was on the field for only 9.5% of snaps on that side of the ball. His most consistent impact came in the kicking game, where he played 59.5% and saw action on the core four units, including as the personal punt protector.
Ultimately, however, his special teams role did not save him from getting cut. Mapu therefore is now the third member of the Patriots’ linebacker corps to depart the team this offseason, following Jack Gibbens and Jahlani Tavai.
