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Grade Houston Texans sign Marte Mapu
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Quick Reaction
Sentiment Analysis
B-
Positive
NegativeMixedPositive
Houston adds linebacker depth in a modest trade that benefits both organizations. Media consensus rates this as mutually beneficial, with five outlets covering the deal positively. Mapu's athleticism and youth signal potential upside for a Texans defense needing linebacker help. Fans view this as a solid depth move rather than a blockbuster acquisition. Houston gains competition at the position while New England addresses linebacker rotation concerns.
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Contract Value Index (CVI)
B-
Good Value
OverpayFair ValueGreat Value
The Texans' trade for Marte Mapu earns a B- Contract Value Index (CVI), reflecting a pragmatic mid-tier acquisition at a reasonable price point for a team positioned as a playoff contender with a 12-5 record and AFC South positioning. At $1.39M AAV against a total value of $5.56M, this deal represents efficient depth spending — the kind of transaction that doesn't move the needle on cap flexibility but fills a genuine roster need without overcommitting resources. The structure suggests a short-term, low-risk commitment rather than a long-term investment, which aligns with a team in its competitive window and focused on immediate roster gaps rather than speculative upside. Mapu's acquisition adds depth and contingency value, but the trade mechanics themselves indicate the Texans aren't betting their window on this player as a foundational piece — more a role player plugging a hole in real time. The CVI reflects this reality: solid value discipline without elite efficiency, the hallmark of a front office making reasonable incremental moves during playoff push season rather than swinging for transformational impact.
Contract Details
- Total Value
- $5.6M
- AAV
- $1.4M
- Guaranteed
- $1.0M
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About this NFL transaction
The Houston Texans completed a trade involving Marte Mapu on April 7, 2026. FanVerdicts covers every reported NFL move — and asks fans to weigh in on each one. Cast your Fan Verdict on this move, see where the crowd lands, and argue the call. FanVerdicts brings its own read too — sentiment and Contract Value Index — as one honest input alongside the crowd's. Where FanVerdicts has weighed in so far: Contract Value Index B-, Sentiment B-.
Contract details below show the years, total value, average annual value, and guaranteed money behind the Contract Value Index read. That read does not change once written — it reflects market expectations at the moment of signing, recomputed only if the contract is restructured.
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