Houston acquired quarterback Ryan Mallett from New England on…
Houston acquired quarterback Ryan Mallett from New England on August 31, 2014 for a conditional late-round selection that ultimately became the 2016 seventh-round No. 243 pick. Mallett made several starts for the Texans before his 2015 release. The tenure was brief and uneven, but Houston received actual quarterback use for a very small price, giving the Texans a modest edge.
Houston Texans Received
- player Ryan Mallett
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2016 7th round pick (243rd overall; subsequently traded by New England)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
New England sent Ryan Mallett to Houston on August 31, 2014 for a conditional future selection. The condition eventually resolved as the 2016 seventh-round pick No. 243. New England later traded that selection, which means Kenny Lawler belongs to a later transaction chain rather than the direct return from Houston. The original deal is simply Mallett for No. 243.
Houston Texans Return
Houston wanted another quarterback option and paid a minimal draft price to get one. Mallett eventually made starts for the Texans and briefly offered the upside that had once made him a third-round prospect. His tenure did not last, and his performance was not strong enough to make the acquisition a major success. Still, Houston received real snaps at the sport's most important position for a seventh-round cost.
New England Patriots Return
The Patriots converted a backup quarterback who was behind Tom Brady into a future draft asset. That was sensible roster management, but the pick landed at No. 243 and was later moved again. Because New England did not turn the original return into a meaningful direct contributor, the realized value remained limited. The team preserved some flexibility without producing a notable football payoff from this specific exchange.
Value in Hindsight
Neither side should receive an extreme grade. Mallett's Houston run was short and ended poorly, while New England's late selection did not become a direct impact player for the Patriots. Houston nevertheless gained some immediate quarterback utility for almost the lowest possible draft cost. That small amount of realized use is enough to separate two otherwise modest returns.
Final Verdict
Houston receives a B- and New England a C. The Texans got limited starting value from Mallett for a seventh-round price, while the Patriots' eventual No. 243 pick became part of another deal. This is a Houston Texans Win, but only by a modest margin.