Texans acquire QB Mallett from Patriots

Aug 31, 2014 - 8:30 PM Foxborough, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Houston Texans acquired quarterback Ryan Mallett from the New England Patriots in exchange for an undisclosed future draft choice on Sunday.

According to NFL.com, the Patriots will receive a conditional seventh-round pick in 2016 for Mallett, who reunites with current Texans head coach and former New England offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien.

Mallett, who was drafted by New England in the third round in 2011, has spent each of his three seasons as a backup to Tom Brady. He has seen action in just four games, completing only one pass for 17 yards with an interception.

The 26-year-old will join offseason signing Ryan Fitzpatrick and fourth-round pick Tom Savage as Houston's quarterbacks, as the Texans reportedly waived Case Keenum after a disappointing offseason to make room for Mallett on the 53-man roster.

Keenum started eight games for Houston last season, completing 54.2 percent of his passes for 1,760 yards with nine passing touchdowns, one rushing score and six interceptions.

New England had depth at quarterback to deal Mallett because of a solid preseason campaign from Jimmy Garoppolo. The rookie out of Eastern Illinois connected on 46-of-79 passes for 618 yards with five touchdowns and one interception for the Patriots.