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As the 2023 season is about to begin, the New England Patriots have made two trades aimed at bolstering their roster.
The Patriots have traded running back Pierre Strong Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. Additionally, the team has acquired offensive lineman Vederian Lowe from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
Pierre Strong Jr., originally drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft, saw limited action during his rookie year, primarily contributing on special teams and receiving only 51 snaps on offense, rushing for 100 yards.
Strong is set to join the Browns, while Tyrone Wheatley Jr., the son of former Giants first-round draft pick Tyrone Wheatley, will join the Patriots. Wheatley Jr. spent the previous season on the Browns’ practice squad, yet he has yet to make an appearance in a regular-season NFL game.
Furthermore, the Patriots have sought to address their concerns about offensive line depth by acquiring Vederian Lowe from the Minnesota Vikings.
Lowe, originally a sixth-round pick by the Vikings in 2022, participated in four games during his time with the team.
The moves reflect the Patriots’ approach to strengthening their offensive line depth as the new season approaches.