New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick explained his reasoning for trading running back Pierre Strong Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
“You’re not looking to get rid of anybody, but you had to give up something to get a player that we feel like we needed,” said Belichick, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Strong was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He saw little time for the Patriots on the field, recording only 10 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown last season. His best performance came in a December meeting with the Arizona Cardinals, when he carried the ball five times for 70 yards and a touchdown.
However, he was never able to expand his role from that point on.
Getting Wheatley in return could help bolster a Patriots offensive line that struggled over the course of the preseason. The team should be getting some help soon with starting guards, Cole Strange and Mike Onwenu, working their way back from injuries.
Depth is a serious need along the offensive front for the Patriots, and they couldn’t pass on an opportunity to improve their chances of competing in the trenches in 2023.
