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Proposed Patriots-Texans trade involves former second-round draft pick
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- Proposed Patriots-Texans trade involves former second-round draft pick
The New England Patriots did a commendable job structuring their roster in the open market and the draft this year. However, another key piece may be needed to give the team a lift in the Super Bowl race next season.
According to Bleacher Report's Moe Moton in his assessment of one trade for all 32 teams in the NFL to consider pushing the button on before the opening week of the 2026 season, the Patriots trade a late 2027 pick to the Houston Texans in exchange for safety M.J. Stewart.
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"Although the Patriots signed Kevin Byard , they need someone to compete against Craig Woodson for snaps at the position," Moton said. "…Stewart is a solid eight-year veteran who can push him for a spot alongside Byard. With a loaded secondary, the Texans won't demand much for the versatile defensive back."
The Patriots are in good hands at safety with Byard, who led the NFL in interceptions in 2025 with seven. The same can be said about second-year veteran Woodson, who helped the team reach the Super Bowl at the end of last season, though he still has strides to take following his rookie year.
Stewart recorded two passes defensed and a forced fumble last season with the Texans and was given an overall player grade of 49.4 from Pro Football Focus for his performance on the year. He has not recorded an interception since 2020, which was also the only individual season where he registered at least one takeaway.
However, as an experienced veteran who plays in an elite-level defense in Houston, he may be able to serve the Patriots as a reserve in 2026 in exchange for a future late-round pick.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Proposed Patriots-Texans trade involves former second-round draft pick
