Unveiling the Shocking Reason Why the Patriots Must Urgently Trade Cole Strange!

The New England Patriots are gearing up for an ambitious season with sweeping changes to their roster and strategy. Amid this transformation, a shocking piece of news has emerged: experts are urging the Patriots to part ways with Cole Strange, their former first-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft. The reasons behind this suggestion are not only surprising but also raise significant questions about Strange’s future in Foxborough.

Cole Strange – A Controversial Journey

Selected 29th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft from Chattanooga, Cole Strange was expected to be a key piece of the Patriots’ offensive line. However, his NFL journey has been far from smooth. After a challenging rookie season, Strange faced a major setback with a patellar tendon injury in 2023, sidelining him until November 2024. While he showed some promise as a center in pass protection upon his return, his run-blocking performance has been lackluster, earning a disappointing 48.6 PFF grade.

Why the Patriots Need to Move Strange Now

According to Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, Cole Strange is the prime candidate for the Patriots to trade before the 2025 season. Here are the key reasons behind this urgent call:

Performance Below Expectations: Despite being a first-round pick, Strange has not lived up to the hype. At 26 (soon to be 27), he shows no signs of becoming a reliable cornerstone on the offensive line. While he’s performed adequately as a center, his inconsistent run-blocking makes him a weak link in an otherwise improved offensive front.

Fierce Competition in the Roster: The Patriots have made bold moves to bolster their offensive line this season, signing veterans like Morgan Moses and adding new talent through the NFL Draft. With players like Layden Robinson, Sidy Sow, Wes Schweitzer, and rookie Jack Conley in the mix, Strange’s spot in the lineup is increasingly precarious.

Decision Against Contract Extension: The Patriots’ choice not to exercise Strange’s fifth-year option (valued at approximately $16.7 million), as reported by ESPN, signals a lack of confidence in his long-term value. This move indicates the team is ready to move on if Strange cannot prove himself in the near future.

Optimizing Resources for Drake Maye: The Patriots are building their roster around young quarterback Drake Maye, and retaining an underperforming player could hinder the development of the offensive line. Instead of investing further in Strange, the team could trade him for assets like a seventh-round draft pick or a player better suited to their current strategy.

Reactions from Fans and Analysts

This news has sparked heated debate among Patriots fans. Some argue that letting go of a young player like Strange is premature, especially given his potential for growth. Others, however, agree that the team should prioritize players who can deliver immediate impact, particularly as the Patriots aim to reclaim their NFL prominence.

On platforms like X, fans have expressed disappointment in Strange but also floated bold ideas, such as trading him to the Detroit Lions to leverage his experience at center, especially following Frank Ragnow’s retirement.

What Could the Patriots Gain from Trading Strange?

Per Bleacher Report, Strange’s trade value is currently low due to his inconsistent performance and injury history. The Patriots might only secure a seventh-round draft pick or a comparable player in return. Still, this move is seen as a sensible way to free up roster space and focus resources on other positions, such as the linebacker corps or defensive reinforcements.

Conclusion

The call to trade Cole Strange is a clear sign that the Patriots are in the midst of a bold roster overhaul. Once viewed as a key part of the team’s future, Strange’s lackluster performance and the growing competition have made him expendable in Foxborough. Will the Patriots indeed part ways with their former first-round pick, or will they give him one final chance to prove his worth? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Patriots and this potential trade saga!