The New England Patriots declared the end of an era on Tuesday when ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that the team “informed Marte Mapu that they intend to release him.” Patriots fans could argue that the former third-round pick was more of an error in the 2023 NFL draft, as the Sacramento State product was taken one pick ahead of edge rusher Byron Young and two picks ahead of Tucker Kraft, but that could also be a clue of where Mapu could end up.
The Green Bay Packers could be interested in Mapu’s services after hosting him for a pre-draft visit a few years ago. With several connections to the coaching staff, Mapu could already have his bags packed after his release and could be destined for a trip to Wisconsin after being informed of his release on Tuesday.
Patriots Connection Could Line Marte Mapu’s Path to Packers
Mapu’s path to Green Bay is lined with Patriots connections. When he was taken in 2023, his special teams coordinator was Cam Achord, who was hired to replace Rich Bisaccia in Green Bay this offseason. While Mapu didn’t do a lot in New England, he was solid on special teams under Achord, recording a pair of tackles and a 71.3 grade on 217 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
It’s not something that jumps out on the tape, but Mapu could be an example of Achord putting his stamp on Green Bay’s special teams and could also have another advocate in outside linebackers coach DeMarcus Covington.
Covington was the defensive line coach for the Patriots in his rookie year and was promoted to defensive coordinator on Jerod Mayo’s staff in 2024. While Mapu was shifted between linebacker and safety during his two seasons under Covington, his PFF grade jumped from 50.0 in 2023 to 63.4 in 2024, showing some coverage chops as a safety, allowing 20 receptions for 189 yards with an interception, a pass breakup, and no penalties on 27 targets.
To add to the evidence, the Packers were once interested in selecting Mapu before the draft and have taken fliers on hybrid prospects before, with last year’s signing of Isaiah Simmons. While Simmons didn’t make the team, they at least gave him a shot to stick at linebacker, and the Packers could do the same with Mapu, who was the 2022 Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and a First-Team FCS All-American at safety in his final season in college.
Of course, Patriots fans may roll their eyes at the thought of Mapu having a second act.
Conversely, NFL coaches usually have a knack for wanting to prove themselves right. With two members of the New England staff already in Green Bay, Mapu could have a solid path waiting for him, giving the veteran linebacker another chance in the NFL after being a disappointment with the Patriots.