HOUSTON – The Texans acquired linebacker Marte Mapu from the New England Patriots in a late-round pick swap trade, per a league source.
The draft picks are in 2027.
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The Patriots receive a sixth-round pick and the Texans receive a seventh-round selection as well as Mapu.
Mapu (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) is a former Patriots third-round draft picks from Sacramento State who had been informed he would be released. Instead, he gets a fresh start with the Texans.
A former Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year, Mapu is in the final year of a $5.563 million rookie contract. He’s due a $1.508 million base salary.
He played in every game last season and recorded 25 tackles, one forced fumble, one interception and five pass deflections. He has also started at safety.
Mapu played 12 percent of the overall defensive snaps, primarily in sub packages. Twelve of his tackles were on special teams.
He recorded 89 tackles, three interceptions and a half-sack for New England in 44 games with 10 starts.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com