Sportsnaut
The New England Patriots underwent a ton of roster turnover this offseason. That’s understandable when you have a new coaching staff and are coming off a miserable four-win season.
Several familiar faces were jettisoned off the roster this offseason, but one player frequently featured in rumors managed to stick around- defensive back Kyle Dugger. Dugger was widely reported to be on the trade block during the preseason, but the team ended up keeping him and cutting Jabrill Peppers instead.
As a result, Dugger was thrust back into a sizeable role with the Patriots and has started in four games this season. The team really likes rookie Craig Woodson and veteran Jaylinn Hawkins, though, so it still seems like Dugger could be moved sooner or later.
In fact, NFL insider Adam Schefter “would bet” that Dugger is on another team after the 2025 trade deadline.
“The New England Patriots have been open to moving off their former transition (tag) safety Kyle Dugger; we’ll see if (a trade) happens,” Schefter said during the latest episode of his podcast. “I would bet he’s no longer a Patriot by the time the trade deadline comes around.”
Dugger played every snap in Weeks 6 and 7 as Hawkins nursed an injury and provided mixed results. The veteran has collected 17 tackles so far this season and has earned a 58.0 Pro Football Focus grade which ranks 62nd out of 88 qualified safeties.
Even though Dugger isn’t playing as well as he did to begin his career, he should still generate interest on the market. Several teams could use help in the secondary, and Dugger has played like an above-average player in the past.
Moving the veteran may not be easy, though. Dugger has the third-highest salary on the team behind Mike Onwenu and Christian Barmore, and teams may not be eager to pay that price. The Patriots may have to eat some of that money to net a late-round pick for the long-tenured veteran.
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