New England Patriots - NESN.com
The final hurdle of the NFL offseason is right around the corner, as rosters must be cut down to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday afternoon. As a result, the New England Patriots are going to be quite busy over the ensuing 24 hours.
While a slew of players are going to be released, the Patriots also have several players who may not have a future with the team that could have value on the trade market. One guy who fits that billing is safety Kyle Dugger.
Despite signing a four-year, $58 million contract extension with New England last offseason, Dugger has fallen out of favor with Mike Vrabel and the new coaching staff. With Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Craig Woodson being the team’s top three safeties, that has left Dugger on the outside looking in.
In the Pats’ final two preseason games, Dugger was playing late into games, indicating that his roster spot could be in jeopardy. While the front office likely isn’t going to outright release him given his contract, reports have emerged that the team is shopping Dugger on the trade market as they prepare to make their final roster cuts.
“The Patriots are shopping safety Kyle Dugger, sources say, their starter the last five seasons,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported. “While Dugger thrived in New England and eventually earned a 4-year, $58M contract extension, the new staff appears to view him differently. He’s played deep into preseason games.”
Since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Dugger has been a key piece of the Patriots’ defense. However, he struggled last season as he battled through an ankle injury, and he has gone from a roster lock to firmly on the bubble ahead of cut day.
Dugger’s contract and struggles in coverage could throw teams off, but he remains a strong tackler who could excel with a team that plays its safeties closer to the line of scrimmage. With New England looking to unload its former starting safety, Dugger is a player worth keeping tabs on over the next day or so.
