Patriots make surprising trade to boost offensive line
With cuts looming as teams have to get their rosters down to 53 players, the New England Patriots opted for a trade instead. The Patriots have traded speedy running back Pierre Strong Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr., NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports. The offensive line has been […]
With cuts looming as teams have to get their rosters down to 53 players, the New England Patriots opted for a trade instead.
The Patriots have traded speedy running back Pierre Strong Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr., NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports.
The offensive line has been in obvious need of improvement throughout the preseason, with injuries plaguing many players. Wheatley went undrafted in 2020, playing for the Blues in the Spring League. There he transitioned from his college position of tight end to offensive tackle. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound lineman began his NFL career with the Chicago Bears in July 2021 but was waived during final roster cuts.
He then signed with the team's practice squad. In May 2022 he was waived and signed by the Las Vegas Raiders a few days later. However, his time with the Raiders was short-lived, being waived in August. He joined the Browns in September 2022 as a member of the practice squad and was looking to compete for a final roster spot during the preseason.
As for Strong, he was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He showed potential during his rookie season, finishing with 100 rushing yards on 10 carries and 43 receiving yards on seven catches. He also recorded a rushing touchdown.
While the Browns have Nick Chubb as their top running back, Strong will now compete for a backup spot. And with the Patriots' need on the offensive line, Wheatley’s path to the active roster might have just become a little more clear.
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Featured image via David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
