Browns sign 2022 1st-round pick to bolster key offensive unit originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Cleveland Browns signed a player with quite the pedigree on Wednesday.
It’s not often a first-round pick from just three seasons ago is available for the taking in free agency.
Advertisement
That’s what the Browns got, though: They’re signing Cole Strange to the practice squad with the hope of soon elevating him to the active roster, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Strange was a first-round pick in 2022, No. 29 overall out of Chattanooga.
He appeared in 30 career games for the Pats, 29 of them starts.
MORE:Â How Travis Kelce’s engagement to Taylor Swift impacts Chiefs TE’s retirement plans
Injuries did limit the guard to three games in 2024, which didn’t help his cause.
It still seems odd that the Pats just let him go freely.
Strange, who measures up at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, turned 27 years old at the end of July.
Advertisement
Teams can certainly never have too many offensive linemen, and the Browns will need a sturdy unit this season. They’ll either be protecting a 40-year old Joe Flacco, or one of rookies Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders. All QBs thrive with better protection, but it’ll be especially true for this particular quarterback depth chart.
MORE:Â Browns add a rookie free agent named Sanders to join Shedeur
Strange may be a bust. The Patriots wouldn’t have let him go if they still viewed him as a first-round talent.
But there’s a lot of room between first-round pick and a guy who doesn’t belong on an NFL roster.
Advertisement
The Browns pounced quickly to sign him once he hit free agency. They likely are excited about his chances of still making a career on the line in the NFL, and this is his next chance.
MORE NFL NEWS: