Marte Mapu: Everything you need to know

The Patriots are trading Mapu to the Texans, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports. New England informed Mapu on Tuesday of plans to cut him, but it appears Houston stepped in before such a transaction could be completed. Per Alexander, the trade involves a swap of late-round picks. Mapu totaled 25 tackles (18 solo), five passes defensed (including one interception) and one forced fumble across 17 regular-season appearances in 2025, playing 120 snaps on defense and 254 snaps on special teams.

New England informed Mapu on Tuesday that he will be cut, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports. A 2023 third-round pick, Mapu had one year remaining on his rookie deal but will now need to search for an opportunity elsewhere in the league. He suited up for all 17 regular-season games in 2025 but handled only a career-low 120 snaps on defense, compared to a career-high 254 snaps on special teams. He had 25 tackles (18 solo), five passes defensed (including one interception) and one forced fumble in that span.

Mapu (hip) is active for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos. Mapu was battling through a hip injury during practice, but the third-year pro has been given the green light to play in Sunday's Championship Game. He has primarily served on special teams this season and has not recorded a tackle across the Patriots' two playoff games.