The New England Patriots continue to trim their roster to 53 players. However, this time, it comes via a trade. According to Ian Rapoport, the Patriots traded running back Pierre Strong Jr. to the Cleveland Browns for offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
Strong, 24, was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft out of South Dakota State. The running back spent most of his rookie season on special teams and only logged ten carries last season. Strong recorded 100 rushing yards and a touchdown while catching seven receptions for 42 yards. This preseason, Strong rushed for 53 yards on 14 carries.
Strong fell behind on the depth chart when the Patriots signed veteran Ezekiel Elliot. The trade confirms the Patriots’ confidence in veteran Ty Montgomery and sophomore Kevin Harris. Along with Harris and Montgomery, J.J. Taylor will fight for the last RB spot.
Meanwhile, the Patriots acquired tackle depth by adding Tyrone Wheatley Jr. Wheatley, 26, spent last season as a backup tackle for the Browns.
The 2021 UFA has yet to play a regular season snap, but his size and strength are fascinating factors. The Patriots hope to develop the 6-6 320-pounder into a starting lineman. The 26-year-old played tight-end in college but converted to a tackle in the NFL. Wheatley previously played for the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders. This summer, Wheatley spent time as a left and right tackle and allowed 3 QB pressures on 61 pass-blocking snaps.
The Patriots had clear offensive line issues this summer. With everyone healthy, the starting five are Trent Brown (LT), Cole Strange (LG), David Andrews (C), Mike Onwenu (RG) and Riley Reiff (RT). But those players didn’t have any practice as a starting group during the summer as injuries derailed the line.
The Patriots must finalize their 53-man roster by Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. The Patriot’s current roster sits at 85 players.
Click here for The Patriots Beat 2023 NFL roster cuts tracker. The tracker will be updated with news, rumors, releases, trades, and instant analysis concerning the New England Patriots.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
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