The Patriots have dealt backup quarterback Ryan Mallett to the Houston Texans, according to multiple reports, receiving a conditional seventh round pick in exchange.
Mallet, a 2011 third round draft pick by the Patriots, was the subject of trade rumors for the past two seasons. Those rumors only intensified after the team drafted Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason in the second round.
Mallett, in his fourth year out of Arkansas, was in the final year of his rookie contract.
The Texans released quarterback Case Keenum, the team's No. 2 quarterback, after acquiring Mallett, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora.
There were definitely signs that the Pats were looking to trade Mallett and they found a partner in the Texans. Texan coach Bill O'Brien is familiar with Mallett from 2011 before moving on to coach at Penn State, so this makes a lot of sense. Ryan Fitzpatrick will likely still start the regular season but Mallett could be a guy they turn to if the team struggles at any point this season. While he's been well hyped, Mallet has only attempted four passes in the NFL.
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