The Patriots made a roster move on Tuesday morning that, while admittedly minor, highlights one of their major roster holes ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, New England has informed linebacker Marte Mapu of the team's plans to release him. The 26-year-old was a third-round pick (No. 76) of the Patriots in 2023 and appeared in 44 games over three seasons—making 10 starts while tallying 89 total tackles, three interceptions, and serving as the personal protector on the punt team. Mapu was set to be due $1.5 million this coming season, the final year of his rookie contract.
