The New England Patriots are gearing up for a Week 2 showdown against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, but the storyline isn’t just about divisional rivalry. This game carries an extra layer of intrigue as the Patriots face off against a familiar face: former first-round pick Cole Strange, who has now joined Miami’s roster. Once viewed as a cornerstone of New England’s offensive line, Strange’s departure and subsequent signing with the Dolphins off the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad marks a surprising twist in his NFL journey—one that could see him become a significant threat to his former team.
When the Patriots selected Cole Strange out of UT Chattanooga with the 29th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the move raised eyebrows. Many analysts and fans labeled the pick a reach, especially given New England’s pressing needs for high-end skill players at positions like wide receiver or cornerback. Strange, a relatively unheralded prospect from a smaller program, was thrust into the spotlight with expectations of bolstering the Patriots’ offensive line. However, his tenure in Foxborough was a mixed bag, defined by flashes of potential but ultimately overshadowed by injuries and inconsistent play.
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Over three seasons with the Patriots (2022-24), Strange started 29 games at guard, showing promise as a versatile lineman. However, a torn patellar tendon in 2023 sidelined him for nearly a year, derailing his development and raising questions about his durability. Despite entering the 2025 training camp as the favorite to reclaim the starting left guard role, Strange was outplayed by a trio of competitors—rookie Jared Wilson, Ben Brown, and Caedan Wallace. The Patriots’ decision to release him on roster cutdown day marked the end of a disappointing chapter for the former first-rounder.
Strange’s release from New England sent him to the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad, but his stay in Cleveland was brief. The Miami Dolphins, desperate for offensive line help after a brutal 33-8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1, swooped in to sign Strange, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Miami’s starting right guard, James Daniels, suffered a pectoral injury just three snaps into the season opener, leaving a gaping hole in the Dolphins’ lineup. Kion Smith, Daniels’ replacement, struggled after being forced to shift from tackle to guard, highlighting Miami’s need for a more reliable option.
Enter Cole Strange. With his experience as a starter and familiarity with high-stakes AFC East matchups, Strange is a natural fit for the Dolphins’ immediate needs. His versatility and prior starting experience make him a viable candidate to step into the lineup as early as this Sunday against his former team. For the Patriots, the irony is undeniable: a player they once invested a first-round pick in could now be tasked with disrupting their game plan.
The Week 2 clash between the Patriots and Dolphins already carried weight as a critical early-season divisional matchup, but Strange’s presence adds a layer of personal stakes. If he earns a starting role, Strange will have the opportunity to prove his former team wrong, showcasing the potential that New England once saw in him. For the Patriots, facing Strange means confronting a player who knows their system, their tendencies, and their weaknesses—an advantage that could make him a formidable opponent in the trenches.
Miami’s offensive line will need to hold up against a Patriots defensive front that, while not as dominant as in years past, remains a disciplined unit capable of exploiting weaknesses. Strange’s ability to anchor the Dolphins’ line could be pivotal in protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and opening lanes for Miami’s rushing attack. If he performs well, it could serve as a stinging reminder of what New England let slip away.
Strange’s move to Miami isn’t the only reunion the Patriots will face in the coming weeks. In Week 3, New England will host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium, where they’ll see another former Patriot, safety Jabrill Peppers. Peppers, a surprise cut before the start of the 2025 regular season, signed with Pittsburgh, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. Like Strange, Peppers’ departure from New England was unexpected, and his return to Foxborough will add another layer of emotion to an already intense matchup.
For the Patriots, these reunions underscore a challenging offseason marked by tough roster decisions. The release of high-profile players like Strange and Peppers reflects the team’s ongoing transition under new leadership, as they aim to rebuild around a younger, more cost-effective core. However, seeing these players thrive elsewhere—particularly Strange in a pivotal role against New England—could amplify the scrutiny on the Patriots’ front office and their draft and roster management.
As Sunday’s matchup looms, all eyes will be on Cole Strange and whether he can seize this opportunity to revive his career in Miami. For the Dolphins, he represents a low-risk, high-reward addition to a depleted offensive line, with the potential to stabilize a unit in desperate need of cohesion. For the Patriots, the game is a chance to prove that their decision to move on from Strange was justified, even as they face the uncomfortable reality of seeing him suit up for a division rival.
The narrative of Strange’s journey—from a controversial draft pick to a Patriot cast-off to a potential difference-maker in Miami—adds a compelling subplot to an already heated rivalry. Whether he emerges as New England’s biggest threat or simply another footnote in their draft history remains to be seen. One thing is certain: when the Patriots and Dolphins take the field on Sunday, the stakes will feel personal for both sides.