The New England Patriots are entering the 2025 NFL season with a clear goal: to end a streak of three consecutive losing seasons and reclaim their place among the league’s contenders. The team has not reached the playoffs since 2021, during one of Bill Belichick’s final seasons as head coach, and the roster has undergone significant changes since the days of their dominant offensive line that powered the franchise to multiple Super Bowl victories. One of the more surprising developments in this rebuilding phase is the potential trade of former first-round pick Cole Strange, a player once seen as a cornerstone of the Patriots’ future offensive line.
A Surprising Draft Pick
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Patriots raised eyebrows by selecting Cole Strange, a guard from Chattanooga, with the No. 29 overall pick. The selection of an FCS player in the first round was unexpected, as many analysts and fans anticipated New England would target a more high-profile prospect. However, Strange quickly proved his worth in his rookie season, starting all 17 games at left guard and displaying the grit and technical ability that justified Belichick’s faith in him. His performance offered hope that the Patriots had found a long-term solution to bolster their offensive line, a unit that had struggled in the latter years of Belichick’s tenure.
Injuries and Changing Dynamics
Unfortunately, Strange’s promising start was derailed by injuries over the past two seasons. In 2024, he appeared in just three games, hampering his development and raising questions about his durability. Meanwhile, the Patriots’ front office has aggressively addressed the offensive line’s shortcomings, bringing in new talent through free agency and the draft. Notable additions include Caeden Wallace, free-agent center Garrett Bradbury, and rookie Jared Wilson, all of whom are vying for playing time along the interior line. This influx of talent has put Strange’s role on the team in jeopardy.
According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, Strange has emerged as the Patriots’ prime trade candidate ahead of the 2025 preseason. “With Caeden Wallace, free-agent addition Garrett Bradbury, and rookie Jared Wilson all pushing for playing time along the interior, now might be a good time to pivot off of Strange,” Knox wrote. While Strange’s starting experience and draft pedigree could attract interest from other teams, his recent injury history and limited playing time may temper the return New England could expect in a trade.
A Financial and Strategic Decision
The Patriots’ decision to decline Strange’s fifth-year option earlier this offseason further signals that his time in New England may be coming to an end. Without the option, Strange is set to become a free agent in the spring of 2026, and the team is unlikely to receive a compensatory draft pick if he walks—unless he dramatically improves his role and performance in 2025. Trading Strange now could net the Patriots a modest return while also freeing up $2.4 million in salary cap space, a move that Knox suggests “could be viewed as a win” for the team.
The Patriots’ aggressive moves to revamp their offensive line reflect a broader strategy to rebuild the roster and return to playoff contention. While Strange was once seen as a key piece of that puzzle, the team’s recent investments in the line suggest he may no longer fit into their long-term plans. The emergence of younger, healthier players has made Strange expendable, and the Patriots appear ready to explore trade options for the former first-rounder.
What’s Next for Strange and the Patriots?
As the 2025 preseason approaches, Strange faces a critical juncture in his career. He could fight to reclaim his spot on the Patriots’ roster, leveraging his experience and talent to prove his worth. However, with the team’s depth chart becoming increasingly crowded, don’t be surprised if New England begins fielding calls from other teams interested in acquiring the 27-year-old guard. A fresh start elsewhere could give Strange the opportunity to rediscover the form that made him a first-round pick, while the Patriots continue their quest to rebuild a roster capable of ending their postseason drought.
The potential trade of Cole Strange underscores the Patriots’ ongoing transformation. As they move further away from the Belichick era, the team is making bold decisions to reshape its identity. Whether Strange remains in New England or finds a new home, his journey will be a key storyline to watch as the 2025 NFL season unfolds.