Former Patriots draft bust has signed with Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are in desperate need of offensive line help due to a rash of injuries, and they are hoping a former New England Patriots draft bust can help.

The Dolphins signed veteran guard Cole Strange off of the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad on Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Miami will host the Patriots on Sunday, so there is a chance Strange could be in the lineup against his former team.

Former Patriots coach and general manager Bill Belichick selected Strange in the first round (29th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. Strange was a lesser-known player out of Chattanooga, and the pick was widely viewed as a major reach.

Strange started all 17 games as a rookie, but he struggled in both run blocking and pass protection. His inconsistent play led to him being taken off the field for certain stretches.

After appearing in 10 games in 2023, Strange suffered a season-ending knee injury late in the year. He was not activated until late in 2024 and was cut just before the start of this season.

Dolphins starting right guard James Daniels had been dealing with an ankle injury heading into Week 1. He then suffered a pectoral injury just three snaps into Miami’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts and did not return. Daniels is expected to be sidelined for multiple games.

Starting right tackle Austin Jackson suffered a toe injury on Sunday, and his status going forward is uncertain. The Dolphins also had several offensive linemen enter the year hurt.

Strange’s NFL career has not panned out thus far, but the 26-year-old should have a path to significant playing time in Miami.