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Report: Patriots Intend To Release Linebacker, Special Teams Weapon originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriotsreleased backup linebacker Jahlani Tavai in March and opted against tendering fellow reserve linebacker Jack Gibbens (who later signed with the Arizona Cardinals) that month as well.
The Patriots are reportedly intending to release another backup linebacker in Marte Mapu.
"The Patriots have informed LB/personal protector Marte Mapu that they intend to release him, per sources," ESPN's Mike Reiss posted on Bluesky Tuesday morning. "Mapu, a third-round pick in 2023, has appeared in 44 NFL games (10 starts). Enters last year of his contract in 2026 and is due a base salary of $1.508 million."
Mapu played in all 17 games during his rookie season but opened the 2024 campaign on injured reserve.
The 26-year-old put up career highs in passes defended (six) and tackles (46) that season, however, despite being limited to 10 games.
Mapu again appeared in all 17 regular season contests (plus each of New England's four playoff games) last season but his playing time decreased.
He played just 120 defensive snaps during the 2025 campaign, but did have an impact on special teams, appearing on 255 snaps with that unit. Mapu also tied for the team lead with eight solo special teams tackles and had 12 takedowns overall.
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