Report: Patriots trade Ryan Mallett to Texans

Finally, the New England Patriots have agreed to trade quarterback Ryan Mallett to the Houston Texans.

The deal has been rumored since before the draft (when it was said to be very close to becoming official), and the Patriots confirmed the deal is done Sunday afternoon.

The Patriots receive an undisclosed draft selection as compensation, reportedly a seventh-round pick in 2016, which could become a sixth-round selection.

To make room for Mallett, the Texans released quarterback Case Keenum. 

In many ways, the trade simply made too much sense not to happen. Mallett, a third-round pick in 2011, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and never seemed likely to re-sign with the Patriots (especially following the emergence of rookie Jimmy Garoppolo as a viable backup to Tom Brady).

The Texans, on the other hand, appear to have a significant need at quarterback. Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick struggled in the pre-season, and he is nothing more than a stopgap. Rookie Tom Savage showed some promise, but he doesn't look ready to start in the pros.

In Houston, Mallett will be reunited with Bill O'Brien, whom he learned under as a rookie, when O'Brien was the Patriots' offensive coordinator. 

Expect the Texans to give Mallett a good look this year, though he may not get on the field for several weeks (he has to learn the offense, after all). If he looks good, the Texans could try to lock him up to a long-term contract.