The New England Patriots have traded safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a move that has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. The deal, which was confirmed by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, involves sending Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
Dugger, who was once considered a cornerstone of the Patriots' defense during Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo's tenures, struggled to carve out a definitive role under new defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel. Despite being handed a four-year, $58 million contract in April 2024, Dugger found himself relegated to backup duty behind rookie Craig Woodson and veteran Jaylinn Hawkins.
The Patriots' decision to trade Dugger comes as a surprise, given his longevity with the team over six seasons and impressive stats, including 441 total tackles and nine interceptions. However, it appears that the team was willing to take a hit in order to recoup some value from their struggling defense.
Dugger's departure also raises questions about the Patriots' long-term plans for their secondary. With Vrabel at the helm, there were concerns that the team's defensive scheme would undergo significant changes, potentially displacing veteran safeties like Dugger and Elliott. The arrival of Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers in Pittsburgh may provide a boost to Dugger's career prospects, as he is now expected to take on a more prominent role in the Steel City.
The trade has left many wondering what prompted the Patriots to make this move. While it's possible that the team was simply looking to retool their defense, there are also rumors of Dugger's relationship with Vrabel being strained. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Kyle Dugger's departure marks a significant shift in the Patriots' defensive landscape.
In a statement from Dugger himself, it appears that he was "focused" on his individual development and wanted to prove himself as a leader and asset to the team. While this may have been his approach, it seems that the Patriots were willing to pass on Dugger's potential in order to secure a smaller return.
As we move forward into the 2026 season, fans of both teams will be watching closely to see how Dugger adjusts to life with the Steelers and whether he can fulfill his promise as a top-tier safety.
Dugger, who was once considered a cornerstone of the Patriots' defense during Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo's tenures, struggled to carve out a definitive role under new defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel. Despite being handed a four-year, $58 million contract in April 2024, Dugger found himself relegated to backup duty behind rookie Craig Woodson and veteran Jaylinn Hawkins.
The Patriots' decision to trade Dugger comes as a surprise, given his longevity with the team over six seasons and impressive stats, including 441 total tackles and nine interceptions. However, it appears that the team was willing to take a hit in order to recoup some value from their struggling defense.
Dugger's departure also raises questions about the Patriots' long-term plans for their secondary. With Vrabel at the helm, there were concerns that the team's defensive scheme would undergo significant changes, potentially displacing veteran safeties like Dugger and Elliott. The arrival of Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers in Pittsburgh may provide a boost to Dugger's career prospects, as he is now expected to take on a more prominent role in the Steel City.
The trade has left many wondering what prompted the Patriots to make this move. While it's possible that the team was simply looking to retool their defense, there are also rumors of Dugger's relationship with Vrabel being strained. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Kyle Dugger's departure marks a significant shift in the Patriots' defensive landscape.
In a statement from Dugger himself, it appears that he was "focused" on his individual development and wanted to prove himself as a leader and asset to the team. While this may have been his approach, it seems that the Patriots were willing to pass on Dugger's potential in order to secure a smaller return.
As we move forward into the 2026 season, fans of both teams will be watching closely to see how Dugger adjusts to life with the Steelers and whether he can fulfill his promise as a top-tier safety.
? i mean kyle dugger is super talented and had an amazing career with them but idk why they felt like they needed 2 change now... maybe its cuz the new defensive coordinator vbrl wanted 2 bring in his own system? and now kyle's gonna have 2 compete 4 a spot on the steelers 
i hope he thrives tho, hes def one of those guys who can make a huge impact on the game 
it seems like the pats are trying to recoup some value from their struggling defense, but at what cost? they're basically passing on dugger's potential just to get a smaller return. 
i'm also wondering if there were some issues with dugger and new dc mike vrabel... 
! The Patriots just traded away their safeties superstar Kyle Dugger for what feels like pennies 
. Like, he's been with the team for six seasons and has amazing stats 
but they're just gonna let him go? It doesn't make sense to me 
. But now he's off to Pittsburgh with Jabrill Peppers... maybe this is good for his career? 
Fingers crossed he can redeem himself in Steel City 
. Kyle Dugger was always considered one of the core players on the Patriots' defense, and now they're just getting rid of him? It's like they lost all faith in his abilities 
. I get that Mike Vrabel might not have been the right coach for him, but a 4-year contract is a big deal! 
I'm not sure what's more surprising - the trade itself or that Dugger was okay with it 
. Anyway, this is gonna be interesting to watch unfold 
.
. But hey, Dugger's gotta take the opportunity that Pittsburgh gives him and prove himself all over again 
. It'll be interesting to see how he adapts to a new team and defensive scheme 
. And now hes gonna try to prove himself all over again in Pittsburgh... wish him luck 
.
but to give up duggers contract alone? that's like giving away 40 million dollars 
idk if its worth it tho? they gave him 58 mil contract in 2024 and he barely played 
