New England Patriots' First-Round Pick Predicted To Be Traded

The New England Patriots are hoping to end a streak of three losing seasons in 2025. The last time the Patriots made the playoffs was in 2021, one of Bill Belichick’s final seasons in charge, and the state of the team has changed significantly since then. During Belichick’s best years, the offensive line was one of the best in the NFL, though in his latter years, the unit struggled.

One of the final picks of the Belichick era was Chattanooga guard Cole Strange, who the Patriots selected with the No. 29 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Strange was a surprising selection out of the FCS, but he hit the ground running in his rookie season. Now, three years later, he’s tipped to be a potential trade candidate ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

Per Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, Strange is the Patriots’ prime candidate to be put on the trade block in the preseason after the front office aggressively targeted offensive line improvements in free agency and the draft.

“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 writes. “He isn't likely to bring much in return via a trade, but his starting experience and draft pedigree might generate some interest.”

Strange impressed in his rookie season, starting all 17 games at left guard, but has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, and played in just three games in 2024. With the Patriots adding significant help on the offensive line, Strange could be surplus to requirements.

“The Patriots are highly unlikely to get a compensatory pick if they allow Strange to walk in the spring—barring a stunning change in his role and performance—so any return to go with $2.4 million in cap savings could be viewed as a win,” Knox adds.

The Patriots elected to decline Strange’s fifth-year option earlier this offseason, which means the clock is ticking on his future in New England. He could well fight for a place on the team, but don’t be shocked if the Patriots start fielding calls on the former first-round pick.