According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the New England Patriots have traded backup quarterback Ryan Mallett to the Houston Texans for a sixth-round pick. In need of any type of talent under center, the Texans have been linked to Mallett since the draft back in May.
Ryan Mallett has been traded to the #Texans, source says
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2014
While it remains to be seen if the Texans would throw Mallett into a starting role out of the gate, it’s safe to say that their quarterback position leaves a lot to be desired. Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick was going to get the Week 1 nod prior to this trade, but he’s years removed from being an average NFL starter.
Meanwhile, the likes of Case Keenum and Tom Savage struggled a great deal during the preseason and aren’t considered viable long-term options for the team.
Mallett, a third-round pick of the Patriots back in 2011, is considered a potential starting quarterback in the NFL. Blessed with a strong arm and prototypical build, the former Arkansas standout was highly regarded coming out of college. He has yet to see any real regular season playing time in the league, mainly due to the presence of Tom Brady as the Patriots starter.
Mallett became expendable after the team selected Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round of the 2014 draft.
Photo: USA Today