Although every team in the NFL had to cut its roster down to 53 players on Tuesday, that's not where the team building stopped, because on Wednesday, they were awarded the players they won on the waiver wire and could build their practice squads.
The Patriots were quick to make some moves after their initial roster was announced, releasing two receivers (Javon Baker and Kendrick Bourne), claiming QB Tommy DeVito and CB Charles Woods, and building their practice squad with most of the talent they had released.
Those who weren't invited back to the team looked to sign elsewhere, including former first-round pick and infamous Bill Belichick reach, Cole Strange. He was a shocking yet not-so-much cut from this year's squad, primarily due to his inability to live up to his draft status, but also because the lack of offensive line depth made it seem like he could make the roster.
However, he instead has reportedly signed with the Browns' practice squad and hopes to revive his NFL career in the AFC North.
The #Browns have finalized the signing of ex-Patriots offensive lineman Cole Strange to their practice squad, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 27, 2025
Strange, who was first reported as a possibility for Cleveland by @caplannfl, was a 2022 first-round draft pick of the Patriots and made 29… pic.twitter.com/Y02437X2QC
Cole Strange could become a proven option on the offensive line for the Browns in his post-Patriots career
Throughout his tenure in New England since being drafted in 2022, Strange has had an up-and-down career. He instantly became an infamous draft choice, as he was taken in the first round despite being considered a fourth-round talent and failed to deliver what Belichick apparently saw in him.
At one point, he appeared to be a long-term starter, but it ultimately turned out to be just a few short weeks of impressive play to cloud our better judgment.
He then suffered a season-ending injury at the end of the 2023 season, forcing him to miss all but three games the following year. Additionally, he never broke out during training camp this past summer, despite being given a position change to make an impact on the team, making him an easy cut for the Mike Vrabel regime.
It could prove to be a mistake, as the offensive line continues to have limited depth, which has proven problematic for the Patriots in recent years. However, there wasn't much reason to keep him on the team beyond that, and now the Browns hope they can get good use out of him in the future, starting with the practice squad.
Like many others before him, there's a chance he could revive his career with a change of scenery, yet at the same time, he's already been in the league for three seasons and hasn't shown consistency to demonstrate he is capable of that.