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In a surprising move, the New England Patriots have decided not to exercise the fifth-year option on Cole Strange, their 29th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Announced on May 1, 2025, this decision marks a pivotal moment in Strange’s tenure with the team and raises questions about his future in Foxborough. This article provides a detailed analysis of the Patriots’ decision, the context behind it, and its potential impact on both Strange and the team.
Context of the Decision
Cole Strange, an offensive lineman from the University of Chattanooga, was a surprising selection at the 29th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. While many expected him to be a mid-round pick, the Patriots saw him as a key piece to bolster their offensive line. Strange quickly proved his worth, appearing in 29 games and starting all 29 of his 30 total appearances for the Patriots, primarily at left guard and later at center. However, his career has been hampered by injuries, with a total of 21 missed games since joining the team.
The fifth-year option, if exercised, would have guaranteed Strange a salary of $16.7 million for the 2026 season. However, according to ESPN, the Patriots opted against this, allowing Strange to enter the final year of his rookie contract in the 2025 season. This decision reflects not only the team’s financial strategy but also a shift in how they view Strange’s role in their long-term plans.
Reasons Behind the Decision
Several key factors explain why the Patriots made this surprising choice:
Performance and Injuries: While Strange has shown consistency when on the field, his 21 missed games due to injuries are a significant concern. In the grueling NFL, durability is critical, and the Patriots may be hesitant to commit a large sum to a player who has yet to prove he can stay healthy consistently.
Financial Strategy: With a projected $16.7 million salary for 2026, the Patriots appear unwilling to take a financial risk on Strange as they rebuild their roster. The team currently leads the NFL in salary cap space and may be prioritizing flexibility to sign new talent or extend contracts for other key players.
Positional Competition: The Patriots have made moves to overhaul their offensive line in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. At center, Strange faces competition from Garrett Bradbury, a recent free-agent signing, as well as Ben Brown and Jake Andrews. At left guard, he competes with Layden Robinson, who started in the final five games of the 2024 season. Declining the fifth-year option may signal the Patriots’ intent to give opportunities to younger players or reassess Strange in the upcoming season.
Direction Under Mike Vrabel: Under new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots are rebuilding with a focus on flexibility and competition. Vrabel has praised Strange’s ability at center, but he also emphasized that Strange will need to compete for a starting role. This decision may be a way to motivate Strange to prove his worth in his final contract year.
Impact on Cole Strange
The Patriots’ decision places Cole Strange in a challenging yet opportunistic position. The 2025 season will be a make-or-break year for his career, as he must prove he deserves a new contract, not only with the Patriots but also with other NFL teams. At 26 years old, Strange still has the potential to be a cornerstone of an offensive line, particularly with his experience at both guard and center. However, he will need to improve his durability and consistency to convince coaches of his value.
On the other hand, the lack of a fifth-year option could motivate Strange to elevate his performance. He showed adaptability in transitioning from guard to center late in the 2024 season, earning praise from Vrabel for handling the new role despite limited experience. If Strange can capitalize on the 2025 season to showcase his skills, he could secure a lucrative contract in free agency in 2026.
Impact on the Patriots
For the New England Patriots, this decision reflects a cautious but risky approach. By declining the fifth-year option, the team maintains financial flexibility and the opportunity to evaluate Strange in a “prove-it” season. If Strange performs well, the Patriots could negotiate a new contract at a potentially lower rate. If he underperforms, the team can part ways without a significant financial burden.
However, this move carries risks. Strange is an experienced player who has proven his value when healthy. If he leaves the team in 2026 and excels elsewhere, the Patriots may regret not retaining him. Additionally, the offensive line is still in transition, and losing a player like Strange could impact stability, especially as the team works to protect their quarterback and build a more effective offense.
Reactions from the Community and Media
The decision to decline Strange’s fifth-year option has sparked significant discussion on social media and among Patriots fans. Posts on X reflected surprise and disappointment, with some suggesting this move indicates a lack of confidence in the 2022 draft class. However, others supported the decision, arguing that the Patriots need to focus on building a younger, more versatile roster, especially after securing 11 draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Media outlets, including Pats Pulpit, have provided in-depth analysis of the decision. Many journalists view it as a sensible move given the Patriots’ rebuilding phase and their focus on other positions like defensive line and wide receiver. However, some have warned that repeatedly letting go of first-round picks (like Mac Jones previously) could raise questions about the team’s scouting department.
Conclusion
The New England Patriots’ decision to decline Cole Strange’s fifth-year option is a bold move that underscores a shift in their roster-building strategy. For Strange, it’s an opportunity to prove his worth in a pivotal contract year. For the Patriots, it’s a calculated gamble to optimize financial and personnel resources, but it comes with the risk of losing a talented player.
Regardless of the outcome, the 2025 season will be a critical juncture in determining whether the Patriots made the right call. As the team strives to return to contender status, Cole Strange’s story will be one of the key narratives to watch in the New England Patriots’ journey.