FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- In a depth-based trade, the New England Patriots acquired offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for running back Pierre Strong Jr. on Sunday.
Wheatley, the son of former Michigan standout and NFL running back Tyrone Wheatley, potentially helps address arguably the Patriots' greatest need. Injuries and inconsistency on the offensive line have been a top storyline in training camp and the preseason, and Wheatley gives them a developmental prospect with size (6-foot-6, 320 pounds) and strength.
Cleveland had four players ahead of the 26-year-old Wheatley at offensive tackle, meaning he was unlikely to make the 53-man roster, with no guarantee he would clear waivers to return to the practice squad.