Patriots Trade Marte Mapu to Texans in Move for 2026 Draft Depth The New England Patriots have finalized a trade that ends Marte Mapu’s three-year tenure with the team, sending the linebacker and safety to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick. The deal, confirmed by league sources, marks the conclusion of a controversial experiment that began when the Patriots selected Mapu in the third round (76th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mapu, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound player from Sacramento State, was chosen for his versatility as a hybrid safety-linebacker, a role that did not align with the traditional linebacker preferences of former head coach Bill Belichick. Mapu’s selection was seen as an unconventional move, given his size—lighter than most linebackers Belichick typically favored but heavier than the safeties he often targeted. The Patriots hoped his athleticism and ability to make tackles would translate into success in a newer role, particularly as a nickel defender in schemes featuring five defensive backs. However, three years and three coaching regimes later, the team has decided to move on from Mapu, citing a lack of depth at the linebacker position and the player’s salary not aligning with his projected role in 2026. The trade came after the Patriots had already informed Mapu of their intention to release him, according to league sources. Mapu, entering the final year of his contract, was set to earn a base salary of $1.508 million. While another team could potentially offer a conditional late-round draft pick for his services, the Patriots’ decision to trade him rather than cut him loose reflects their assessment of his value. The move also underscores the team’s focus on building depth for the 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place from April 23 to 25.#new_england_patriots #houston_texans #jerod_mayo #bill_belichick #marte_mapu
Patriots to Release Longest-Tenured Player in Free Agency Move The New England Patriots are set to part ways with their longest-tenured player, Anfernee Jennings, as the team moves forward with its roster adjustments ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The decision to release Jennings, who joined the team as a third-round draft pick in 2020, was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move comes as the Patriots begin their free agency window, with the league year set to officially open at 4 p.m. ET. Jennings, 28, was selected 87th overall by the Patriots in the 2020 draft, marking the start of his NFL career. Initially used as a role player, he gained more prominence in 2023 when Pro Bowler Matthew Judon missed most of the season due to injury. Jennings stepped into a starting role and emerged as one of the league’s top run-defending outside linebackers. His performance continued under new head coach Jerod Mayo in 2024, though his playing time decreased when Mike Vrabel took over as head coach. Despite an increased workload during the 2024 season, Jennings finished with a defensive playing time share of 32%, his lowest since 2022. Over his six seasons with the Patriots, Jennings accumulated 79 combined regular season and playoff games. His career totals include 233 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles and recoveries. Entering the final year of his contract, Jennings’ salary cap hit for 2026 was reported at $4.87 million. His departure marks the second edge defender to leave the team on Wednesday, following the reported exit of K’Lavon Chaisson to the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal. Jennings’ release underscores the Patriots’ ongoing efforts to reshape their defense, particularly in the edge rusher position.#new_england_patriots #adam_schefter #klavon_chaisson #anfernee_jennings #jerod_mayo
