The New England Patriots, under the new leadership of head coach Mike Vrabel, are making bold moves to reshape their roster for the 2025 season, with a particular focus on bolstering their offensive line. After a disappointing 2024 campaign where the team surrendered 52 sacks, Vrabel prioritized reinforcing the trenches during the offseason. The Patriots selected Will Campbell with the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and signed veteran tackle Morgan Moses to a three-year deal. Additionally, they drafted center Jared Wilson, further deepening their offensive line talent pool. These moves signal a clear intent to improve protection for the quarterback and establish a more robust running game.
However, with these new additions comes the challenge of managing the 53-man roster and salary cap. One player who may be on the chopping block is former first-round pick Cole Strange, selected 29th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Strange, who primarily played left guard in college and early in his NFL career, has struggled to meet the lofty expectations set for him. A torn patellar tendon sidelined him for most of the 2024 season, limiting him to just three games. This injury, combined with his transition to a backup center role, has put his future with the Patriots in jeopardy.
Trade Rumors Swirl Around Cole Strange
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay recently suggested that the Patriots could look to trade Strange, potentially to the Indianapolis Colts, in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Kay argues that Strange’s lackluster performance over three seasons and his regression from a starting guard to a backup center make him expendable. “The Patriots overhauled their offensive line this offseason, making a series of acquisitions that could lead to Cole Strange being dealt,” Kay wrote. “The Pats could at least recoup a fraction of the value they utilized to acquire him by shipping him off to a team desperate for OL assistance such as the Colts.”
The Colts, who have faced their own challenges with offensive line consistency, could view Strange as a low-risk, high-reward addition. With the 27-year-old entering the final year of his rookie contract, a change of scenery might allow him to rediscover his potential. However, the return of a seventh-round pick underscores how far Strange’s stock has fallen since his first-round selection.
A Glimmer of Hope in Foxborough?
Despite the trade speculation, there’s still a chance Strange could remain with the Patriots. During his limited action at center in 2024, Strange impressed Vrabel with his adaptability, especially considering he had not played the position at the professional level before. Vrabel’s comments suggest that Strange could compete for a roster spot as either a starting or backup center. With Jared Wilson, the 2025 draft pick, taking reps at left guard during training camp and preseason, the Patriots appear to be experimenting with their lineup to maximize versatility.
Strange’s ability to play multiple positions could be his saving grace. However, with a revamped offensive line featuring high-profile additions like Campbell and Moses, roster spots are at a premium. If Strange fails to secure a role, the Patriots may opt to cut him outright to free up cap space and finalize their 53-man roster.
A Make-or-Break Moment
As Strange approaches the final year of his rookie deal, 2025 represents a critical juncture in his career. Whether he remains in New England or is traded to a team like the Colts, he has one last opportunity to prove he belongs in the NFL. His market value is projected to be underwhelming when he hits free agency in 2026, making this season a make-or-break moment for the former first-rounder.
The Patriots’ decision to potentially part ways with Strange reflects a broader strategy under Vrabel to prioritize performance and fit over past draft pedigree. By cutting or trading Strange, New England could save valuable cap space while giving younger or more effective players a chance to shine. As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on Foxborough to see whether Strange can defy the odds or if the Patriots will move on in their quest to return to playoff contention.