Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have reportedly chosen to bolster one of their thinner units with a trade this weekend.
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Pats traded running back Pierre Strong Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for 26-year-old offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
Trade: The #Patriots have traded RB Pierre Strong Jr to the #Browns in exchange for OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr., sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2023
Fans reacted to the deal on Twitter.
“Some much-needed tackle help for the Patriots. Wheatley has spent time with Chicago, Las Vegas and Cleveland. Has yet to appear in a regular-season game,” NESN’s Zack Cox reported. “Strong missed a good chunk of the preseason with a concussion. Speedy 2022 fourth-rounder now heading to the Browns.”
Some much-needed tackle help for the Patriots. Wheatley has spent time with Chicago, Las Vegas and Cleveland. Has yet to appear in a regular-season game.
Strong missed a good chunk of the preseason with a concussion. Speedy 2022 fourth-rounder now heading to the Browns. https://t.co/lOOaGFiFdw
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) August 27, 2023
“Patriots desperately need tackle depth. It’s a bit of a surprise to see them give up on Pierre Strong so early. His athleticism really popped,” Mark Daniels replied. “Wheatley is a 6’6, 320-pound tackle who is still looking to him his NFL debut.”
Patriots desperately need tackle depth. It’s a bit of a surprise to see them give up on Pierre Strong so early. His athleticism really popped.
Wheatley is a 6’6, 320-pound tackle who is still looking to him his NFL debut https://t.co/T6U2fz39hk
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) August 27, 2023
“Trying to add some developmental depth at tackle but surprised they would give up on Strong so quickly. Maybe good news for Ty Montgomery’s health??” asked Paul Perillo.
Trying to add some developmental depth at tackle but surprised they would give up on Strong so quickly. Maybe good news for Ty Montgomery’s health?? https://t.co/CfraZNH3b9
— Paul Perillo (@pfwpaul) August 27, 2023
“Wow. The Patriots give up on Strong to add some O-Line depth. Wheatley hasn’t played in an NFL game yet. I’m surprised they gave up so quickly on Strong,” tweeted Evan Lazar.
Wow. The #Patriots give up on Strong to add some O-Line depth. Wheatley hasn’t played in an NFL game yet. I’m surprised they gave up so quickly on Strong. https://t.co/m4zk0ITcGf
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) August 27, 2023
How are you feeling about the Patriots’ trade?