Green Bay Packers eye interior depth as roster cuts loom, considering Cole Strange as a potential addition
As the 2025 NFL regular season nears, the Green Bay Packers appear to have their five-man starting unit on the offensive line locked in: Rasheed Walker at left tackle, Aaron Banks at left guard, Elgton Jenkins at center, Sean Rhyan at right guard, and Zach Tom at right tackle. With the start settled, attention shifts to the depth behind them, particularly along the interior.
Behind the presumed starter group, two backups have drawn the most scrutiny in the preseason: Donovan Jennings at left guard and Jacob Monk at center. Both haven’t made strong impressions in the exhibition games, and Green Bay could be weighing options as teams trim rosters to 53 players.
One intriguing name that could surface if the New England Patriots decide to move him is Cole Strange. The 2022 first-round pick (29th overall) out of Chattanooga showed flashes of versatility but has yet to consistently meet expectations as a core interior blocker.
Strange started all 17 games at left guard as a rookie and posted a 67.8 pass-blocking grade and a 48.3 run-blocking mark from Pro Football Focus, a mix of solid pass protection with room to improve in the running game. In 2023, he improved his run-blocking but regressed in pass protection, and a torn left knee patellar tendon ended his season prematurely.
The 2024 season limited him to three appearances after missing most of the year; he played his first game back on special teams and then started the final two games at center, delivering a strong 79.0 pass-blocking grade but a disappointing 40.4 run-blocking mark. Through training camp this year, Strange has remained healthy, but his performance has been inconsistent, and he appears to have ceded his left guard spot to rookie Jared Wilson. New England’s addition of Garrett Bradbury at center further complicates Strange’s path, potentially making a full-time move to center unlikely.
Crucially, New England has already declined Strange’s fifth-year option, which would save about $2.4 million in cap space if he is cut. While the Patriots could keep him for depth, a market exists for a player with Strange’s experience and interior versatility. If he hits the open market, Green Bay could be a natural landing spot given the Packers’ needs along the interior and their desire for players who can contribute at multiple spots.
Why this could make sense for Green Bay
– Versatility is a major asset: Strange has experience at guard and center, giving Green Bay flexibility to shuffle along the interior as needed—especially valuable if injuries arise or if multiple linemen require rest during a long season.
– Cost-effective depth: If New England moves on from Strange, the Packers could add a veteran swing piece without a significant cap hit, addressing depth without a major financial commitment.
– Immediate on-field impact potential: Even if not penciled in as a Week 1 starter, Strange’s pedigree and previously shown skill set could help stabilize the Packers’ interior depth during a stretch of frequent lineman rotations.
Cautionary notes
– Injury history and inconsistency: The patellar tendon tear in 2023 and fluctuating performance in 2023 and 2024 temper the evaluation. Any acquisition would require medical clearance and careful assessment of his ability to contribute consistently.
– Fit with Packers’ current structure: Green Bay would need to ensure he can adapt to their blocking schemes and tempo, and to compete for a role that may evolve with the health and performance of Jennings, Monk, and others.
Bottom line: With roster cuts imminent, Cole Strange is a name to monitor for Green Bay. If he becomes available, his interior versatility could be a valuable addition to a Packers line that is otherwise locked in at the starting five but seeks reliable depth behind them. A measured pursuit could yield a cost-controlled, multi-position option that helps maintain stability across the interior as the season unfolds.
Summary
Green Bay faces depth questions at guard and center behind a solid starting five. Cole Strange’s potential availability could present a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to add versatility and experience to the interior. A move would hinge on his health, fit, and the cost of acquiring him, but could provide valuable insurance for a Packers line aiming to stay cohesive through a demanding 2025 season.
Positive note
If Green Bay lands Strange or whoever profiles as a capable interior swing, it could bolster the team’s resilience and flexibility, contributing to a more robust and adaptable offensive line as the season progresses.