The New England Patriots are trading safety Kyle Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Throughout the offseason, the veteran safety’s name circulated in trade rumors, though nothing ever materialized. Over the first five games of the season, Dugger logged 188 defensive snaps across four starts. A former second-round pick in 2020, Dugger was the Patriots’ longest-tenured player. He still has two years left on his deal, but the Patriots won’t owe him any guaranteed money after this season.
Dugger, 29, battled inconsistency last year after suffering an ankle injury and never fully regained his strength. This season, he played in 38.8% of New England’s defensive snaps, starting four of seven games and recording 17 tackles. Dugger had been playing behind Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson, a sharp departure from his previous every-down role in the Patriots’ secondary.
Last week, Dugger first appeared on the injury report Thursday with a knee injury. He was limited again Friday and was inactive for Sunday’s matchup against the Browns.
From 2022 through 2024, Dugger started every game he played for New England and served as one of the defense’s key players. However, in the Patriots’ new scheme, coaches used him more as a rotational piece, and he struggled to establish a consistent role.
Dugger now joins former Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers, who signed with the Steelers earlier this season. He leaves New England with 441 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, nine interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns across five seasons.
The Patriots have leaned more on two-high safety looks and zone-heavy coverage concepts, minimizing the need for a downhill box safety. Dugger’s best trait was his physicality in run support and ability to play tight ends and that became less vital in their game plans.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 19-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Ben.BelfordPeltzman@gmail.com with any inquires.
