Kyle Dugger Traded to Pittsburgh Steelers After Patriots Demotion and Injury Struggles

Safety Kyle Dugger has been traded by the New England Patriots to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a deal that includes a seventh-round pick going to Pittsburgh in exchange for a sixth-round choice. This marks the Patriots' second trade of the day. The Steelers, who lead the NFL in passing yards allowed and traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the offseason, are looking to reinforce their secondary. Dugger, a 2020 second-round pick, appeared in 81 games with 69 starts for New England. He signed a four-year, $58 million extension in the 2024 offseason, with $9.75 million guaranteed for this season. Earlier this season, Dugger had been demoted to the Patriots' second team. He played seven games with four starts this season, totaling 17 tackles, and played last season with a misdiagnosed high-ankle sprain that required tightrope surgery in January. The Patriots had previously attempted to trade him before the start of the season.