Star safety Kyle Dugger of the New England Patriots appears to be on the verge of a potential trade. Despite establishing himself as a standout hybrid safety during his rookie contract, Dugger was poised for a significant payday in 2024. However, the Patriots utilized the transition tag to prevent him from hitting the open market. While this move kept him in New England, Dugger watched other safeties across the league secure lucrative contracts. As Dugger has not yet signed the transition tag, there are indications of dissatisfaction with the team, according to insights from Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. Callahan suggests that if the Patriots decide to trade Dugger, they might not fetch more than a fourth-round pick in return.
Given the Patriots’ strategic approach to the offseason, focusing primarily on retaining their own players rather than engaging in extensive spending, the team may explore trading Dugger if financial constraints become an issue. Despite the potential for only acquiring a fourth-round pick, a trade could still be appealing to the Patriots. With the team not expected to contend strongly in 2024, there may be little incentive to retain Dugger for the final year of his contract before he potentially joins a new team in 2025. Therefore, the Patriots could opt to cut their losses and maximize their return through a trade.
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Several teams could be interested in acquiring Dugger’s services, offering a mid- to late-round pick in exchange. One potential fit is the Indianapolis Colts, who narrowly missed the playoffs in 2024 and are seeking to bolster their roster to remain competitive in the AFC South. Dugger’s addition could provide a much-needed physical presence to the Colts’ secondary while also offering speed and playmaking ability in coverage, addressing a key area of need for the team.
New Orleans Saints:
The New Orleans Saints are still searching for a suitable replacement for Marcus Maye, but they are unlikely to find one in the 2024 NFL Draft due to their limited draft capital and pressing need at tackle. However, they could explore trading one of their multiple Day 3 picks for Kyle Dugger. While maneuvering the salary cap may pose challenges, the Saints are known for their adeptness in managing financial constraints.
Kansas City Chiefs:
As the Kansas City Chiefs aim for an unprecedented three-peat in NFL history, they cannot afford any weaknesses on their roster. While cornerback is a priority following the departure of L’Jarius Sneed, upgrading the safety position could also be beneficial. Kyle Dugger represents a clear improvement over the Chiefs’ current starters, and they have the financial flexibility to acquire him and offer a deserving contract.
Baltimore Ravens:
The Baltimore Ravens frequently deploy three safeties, making this position a crucial part of their defensive strategy. While their starting duo of Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams is formidable, they need to address the void left by Geno Stone. Kyle Dugger’s ability to excel in the box, coupled with his speed and versatility, makes him a viable option to complement the Ravens’ defense.
Detroit Lions:
After signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson in 2023 to serve as their physical presence in the middle of the defense, the Detroit Lions faced setbacks due to his injury and subsequent departure to the Philadelphia Eagles. With a significant need in the secondary, the Lions could pursue a trade for Kyle Dugger. Similar to Gardner-Johnson, Dugger brings physicality to the position, but he offers greater reliability and consistency, making him an appealing target for Detroit.
