Patriots Using Marte Mapu at Linebacker
On June 27, 2025, Nikhil Mehta of Pro Football Rumors reported that Marte Mapu spent most of the Patriots’ offseason workouts at linebacker, per The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin — a move that could signal a shift in his role heading into training camp.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 230 pounds, Mapu brings a blend of size and athletic ability that enables him to either drop into coverage or rush the passer from the second level. Though listed as a safety during his college career, he was often deployed in the slot and occasionally worked in the box. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), in his first two seasons in the NFL, Mapu logged 313 snaps in the box, 221 at free safety, and 100 in the slot.
As training camp approaches, Mapu will be in competition with Jack Gibbens and Jahlani Tavai for reserve linebacker roles behind projected starters Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss, who were seen taking first-team snaps this spring, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Gibbens joined New England this offseason after beginning his career with the Titans under coach Mike Vrabel. That experience may give him an advantage in the competition, although only $300,000 of his $1.3 million contract is guaranteed, as reported by OverTheCap.
Tavai, on the other hand, is currently dealing with a calf injury suffered during OTAs. While Volin notes that this could jeopardize his place on the roster, Tavai still has $2.1 million in guaranteed salary over the next two years — a factor that may dissuade the team from cutting him.
Ultimately, the Patriots may opt to keep all five linebackers, especially since Mapu offers versatility and can step in as a depth option in the secondary if needed.
