Potential Shocking Trade Item Revealed to Be $58 Million Safety Measure
The New England Patriots are actively shopping safety Kyle Dugger for a trade, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. This decision comes as Dugger has seen a diminished role under the team's new coaching staff, led by Mike Vrabel.
Dugger, who signed a 4-year, $58M deal with the Patriots last year, has averaged 85 tackles, five passes defended, and just under one sack per season in his career with the team. He has also recorded nine interceptions in his 74 career games played with the Patriots, with his best season coming in 2023, when he collected over 100 tackles for the first time in his career.
The change in coaching philosophy is a key reason behind the potential trade. Mike Vrabel's staff has a different evaluation of Dugger compared to the previous regime, causing him to lose his starting status and practice with scout safeties. Moreover, with several safeties ahead of him on the depth chart, Dugger’s roster spot is uncertain as the Patriots approach the mandatory 53-player cut deadline.
Another factor is the contract implications. Dugger carries a significant salary commitment from his recent $58 million contract extension, which may deter some teams from trading for him. According to sources, some insiders doubt another team will trade for Dugger given the guaranteed money tied up in 2026.
From the Patriots’ perspective, moving Dugger could free cap space and provide assets for other team needs amid a transition toward new defensive approaches. For other NFL teams, acquiring a well-experienced, multi-season starter like Dugger could be valuable, especially if they can manage the financial side, potentially adding depth to their secondary.
The preseason has been a challenging time for Dugger, as he has been demoted to a backup role. However, if Dugger performs well in the remaining practice sessions, he may fight his way onto the roster. The coming days of practice will determine Dugger's fate with the team.
The trade rumors illustrate the fluid dynamics of NFL rosters during preseason, particularly how coaching changes and salary commitments can swiftly alter a player's standing within a team. The potential trade of Kyle Dugger could have significant implications for both the Patriots and other NFL teams looking for veteran safety help.
[1] Meirov, A. (2025). NFL Insider: New England Patriots Safety Kyle Dugger Could be a Name to Watch on the Trade Block. [Twitter]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/arikmeirov/status/1662105673083554816
[2] Patriots.com. (2025). Kyle Dugger. [Player Profile]. Retrieved from https://www.patriots.com/team/roster/kyle-dugger/3a20e66c-c16a-411e-988f-96b963f89933
[3] ESPN.com. (2025). New England Patriots Training Camp: Kyle Dugger Struggles to Shed Backup Label. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/36129440/new-england-patriots-training-camp-kyle-dugger-struggles-shed-backup-label
[4] NFL.com. (2025). New England Patriots Roster Bubble Watch: Kyle Dugger's Future Uncertain. Retrieved from https://www.nfl.com/news/new-england-patriots-roster-bubble-watch-kyle-dugger-s-future-uncertain
[5] ProFootballTalk.com. (2025). Sources: Teams Unlikely to Trade for Kyle Dugger Due to Guaranteed Money. Retrieved from https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2025/08/27/sources-teams-unlikely-to-trade-for-kyle-dugger-due-to-guaranteed-money/
- With the NFL preseason underway, the trade rumors surrounding Kyle Dugger, a well-experienced safety from the New England Patriots, have caught the attention of sports news outlets.
- The diminished role of Dugger under the new Patriots coaching staff, led by Mike Vrabel, combined with his significant salary commitment and the uncertainty of his roster spot, has sparked discussions about his potential trade to another American-football team.
- If a trade does occur, the Patriots could free cap space and obtain assets for other team needs, while other NFL teams might find great value in acquiring a multi-season starter like Dugger, provided they can manage the financial implications.
