Patriots trade for depth at wide receiver

The New England Patriots acquired wide receiver and kick returner Keshawn Martin from the Houston Texans, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported Wednesday. He’s played in 48 games in three years, making 38 receptions for 416 yards and three touchdowns.

Wide receiver Keshawn Martin, right, will try to find room to roam…

In 2014, under head coach Bill O’Brien, who served as Patriots offensive coordinator in 2011, Martin caught six passes for 78 yards. Even though he handled kickoff and punt returns for the first two seasons, his role was reduced to just punt returns last season with the Texans seeming to perpetually be seeking someone to unseat him there. He also could provide the team with some depth as a returner. It’s extremely important to keep Edelman and Amendola healthy until Brandon LaFell comes off the PUP list, since they’re the only dependable receivers on the roster.

The Patriots have one open space on their practice squad.

The Patriots released WR Chris Harper Monday afternoon.