The Houston Texans have acquired linebacker Marte Mapu from the New England Patriots in a Tuesday trade deal.
While the complete terms remain undisclosed, ESPN reports the transaction involves exchanging 2027 NFL Draft selections, with Houston receiving a seventh-round pick while sending a sixth-round choice to New England.
The 26-year-old defender is set to earn a base salary of $1.508 million in 2026, the final year of his current contract.
During the previous season, Mapu participated in every regular season contest, recording 25 tackles along with one interception and one forced fumble. He was heavily utilized on special teams units, participating in 58% of those plays and accumulating 12 special teams tackles, ranking third on the team in that category. Additionally, he served as the personal protector for the punt coverage unit.
In postseason action, Mapu contributed a special teams tackle assist while participating in all four playoff contests as New England’s season concluded with a 29-13 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
Originally selected by New England in the third round of the 2023 draft from Sacramento State, Mapu has compiled 89 total tackles, three interceptions, 0.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles across 44 games with 10 starts during his three-year career.
