The New England Patriots have notified linebacker Marte Mapu of their intention to release him, as reported by Mike Reiss. Mapu, 26, was entering the final year of his four-year, $5.56 million rookie contract after being drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite being a standout college player, he struggled to adapt to the defense but contributed on special teams, recording 25 tackles and an interception in 2025. Mapu was previously named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 while at Sacramento State.
