The move, or lack thereof, doesn’t come as a surprise. Strange was a stunning first-round selection by Bill Belichick in 2022, with Sean McVay saying he thought the Rams would have a shot at landing Strange with the 104th pick. Strange suffered a torn patellar tendon late in the 2023 season that cost him most of 2024. A left guard by trade, Strange made two starts at center last year. A replacement-level player at best, Strange enters his contract year in need of a breakout season.

Strange, one of the last wacky Bill Belichick first-round picks in 2022, looks like he’ll get a four-game audition with the remainder of the Patriots offensive line down the stretch. The guard has missed most of the season after leaving with what was reportedly a torn PCL in Week 15 of the 2023 season. Almost a full calendar year later, he’ll aim to make his return.

Strange suffered a serious knee injury in Week 15 against the Chiefs and could be out for a while — a blow to a New England offensive line graded by PFF as last year’s fourth worst pass blocking unit and 12th best run blocking unit. PFF graded Strange as the 27th best guard in the NFL last season. Sidy Sow is playing left guard for the Patriots in offseason practices, according to the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed.

Strange was overmatched by a rushing lineman early in the second quarter and had his leg folded up under him while falling backward. The replay didn’t look great, and to nobody’s surprise, Strange was carted off the field. Backup Atonio Mafi took over for strange at left guard following the injury.