Adam Schefter ‘Would Bet’ Patriots Trade This Player Before Deadline

Kyle Dugger might be in his final days as a member of the Patriots.

The veteran safety was mentioned in trade rumors throughout last offseason but eventually earned a spot on New England’s 53-man roster. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is convinced the Patriots will trade Dugger before next Tuesday’s deadline.

“The New England Patriots have been open to moving off their former transition (tag) safety Kyle Dugger; we’ll see if (a trade) happens,” Schefter said during the latest episode of his podcast. “I would bet he’s no longer a Patriot by the time the trade deadline comes around.”

Dugger saw a limited workload over the first five games but played every snap in Weeks 6 and 7 as safety Jaylinn Hawkins nursed an injury. The 29-year-old missed last Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns due to a knee issue.

A second-round pick in 2020, Dugger is the Patriots’ longest-tenured player and carries their third-highest salary behind Mike Onwenu and Christian Barmore. He has two more years left on his contract but isn’t guaranteed any money beyond this season, potentially setting the stage for an offseason release.

Dugger was one of New England’s top defensive playmakers in 2022 and 2023, but he struggled mightily last season while battling an ankle injury. He underwent surgery in the offseason and saw his role diminished during training camp before surviving roster cutdown day.

If the Patriots trade Dugger, they’d be left with Hawkins, Craig Woodson and Dell Pettus as their top safeties.