The New England Patriots have had a dynamic offseason, marked by significant changes to their roster and coaching staff. However, one potential move could stun the entire NFL: Cole Strange, their first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is at risk of being cut from the team before the 2025 season kicks off.
A Controversial Pick from the Start
Cole Strange, selected 29th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, was a controversial choice from the outset. Many analysts viewed him as a reach, projecting him as a second- or third-round talent. Nevertheless, under the guidance of legendary head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots believed Strange would be a cornerstone for their offensive line, particularly at the guard position. The high expectations were evident as Strange immediately became a starter, playing in 30 games and starting 29 in his Patriots career.
However, Strange’s NFL journey has been far from smooth. In his rookie season (2022), he was graded as a below-average guard, allowing five sacks according to Pro Football Focus. His second season (2023) showed little improvement, with two sacks allowed in 10 games. A severe knee injury (torn patellar tendon) late in the 2023 season sidelined Strange for most of the 2024 season, with a return in only the final three games, where he played as a center. While he showed promise in pass protection at this new role, Strange struggled in run-blocking, earning a modest 48.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Fierce Competition in the Revamped Roster
Under new head coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Eliot Wolf, the Patriots have had an aggressive offseason. They bolstered their offensive line with high-profile signings, including veteran Morgan Moses (right tackle), Garrett Bradbury, and Wes Schweitzer (interior linemen), while also drafting Will Campbell from LSU as their left tackle in the 2025 draft. These additions have intensified competition within the Patriots’ offensive line room.
According to Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, Cole Strange may find himself without a spot in this revamped lineup. Coach Vrabel noted that Strange performed impressively at center in limited action late in the 2024 season, but he faces stiff competition from Garrett Bradbury, a seasoned veteran considered the frontrunner for the starting center role. The presence of other newcomers like Wes Schweitzer and recent draft picks further pressures Strange, who is entering the final year of his contract after the Patriots declined his fifth-year option worth $16.7 million.
Strange’s Uncertain Future
The Patriots’ decision to decline Strange’s fifth-year option signals that they no longer view him as indispensable to their long-term plans. With his contract set to expire in March 2026, Strange must prove his worth during the upcoming OTAs and training camp. Failure to show significant progress or outshine his competitors could result in him being cut before the season begins.
While Strange still has a chance to secure a roster spot, particularly with his versatility at both guard and center, the pressure is immense. Coach Vrabel emphasized that Strange is “working extremely hard,” and his positional flexibility could be key. However, with his trade value currently assessed as near zero, the possibility of being cut or relegated to a backup role is very real.
A Potential Shockwave for the NFL
If the Patriots do cut Cole Strange—a first-round pick after just three seasons—it would be one of the most shocking moves of the 2025 season. Such a decision would not only reflect the strategic shift under Vrabel’s leadership but also serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of investing high draft picks in undervalued positions like guard. As the team works to rebuild and compete, letting go of a once-promising player like Strange would send a clear message that no one is untouchable.
Cole Strange stands at a critical juncture in his career. Can he rise to the challenge and prove the Patriots were right to believe in him in 2022, or will he become a cautionary tale of the NFL Draft’s unpredictability? The answers will begin to unfold as the 2025 season approaches.