Patriots reportedly trade Kyle Dugger to Steelers

New England Patriots

Kyle Dugger was the longest-tenured player on the Patriots’ roster.

Less than an hour after reportedly dealing Keion White to the 49ers, the Patriots reportedly traded away the team’s longest-tenured player in safety Kyle Dugger.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots are trading both Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

Much like the reportedly miniscule return that New England is set to receive in its trade involving White (2026 sixth and seventh-round pick), the Patriots are selling low on a player in Dugger who struggled to carve out a definitive role in Mike Vrabel’s revamped defense.

A 2020 second-round pick by New England, Dugger was once a foundational piece of the Patriots’ defense during both Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo’s respective tenures in Foxborough — with New England handing the safety a four-year, $58 million contract in April 2024. 

But Dugger slid down the depth chart during Vrabel’s first training camp in New England this summer, spending most of the preseason logging reps with the team’s backups. 

“Just making sure that he’s where he needs to be and understanding the coverage concepts and everything we do. Keep working and keep progressing,” Vrabel said of Dugger in August. “A lot of this is that guys have earned the right to take a look with that first unit and, again, there will be different lineups and different things. Just focus on the reps that you get right now.”

Given Dugger’s struggles in Vrabel’s scheme, the veteran was subject of several trade rumors leading up to roster cutdown day in late August — but was ultimately not dealt. 

“If anything, you know, I was pretty neutral on it. I knew anything could happen, so that’s how I kind of where I stayed,” Dugger said of staying put with the team entering Week 1. “I spent a lot of time with my family, and that was very grounding and humbling, so that’s kind of what I did. I really wasn’t thinking about it too much.

“I’m getting better every day. That’s my focus. Helping the team as much as I can. And being the best version of myself as an individual, as a leader, and for the guys around me.”

Even though Dugger made the Patriots’ 53-man roster, he served in more of a backup role behind the likes of rookie Craig Woodson and veteran Jaylinn Hawkins — ultimately playing in 38.8 percent of New England’s defensive snaps. 

Dugger will now join a Steelers defense that already boasts a former Patriots safety in Jabrill Peppers. Dugger should be due for an increased role in Pittsburgh, especially with veteran safety DeShon Elliott placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on Monday. 

Dugger appeared in 81 games (69 starts) with the Patriots over six seasons, recording 441 total tackles to go along with nine interceptions.

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.