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4 Patriots Instantly on Thin Ice With Mike Vrabel as Head Coach

With Mike Vrabel taking over as the Patriots head coach, multiple changes could be on the horizon.

By Jovan Alford

Oct 21, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots former linebacker and current Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel makes a speech at his 2023 Patriots Hall of Fame induction in the Cross Insurance Pavilion at Gillette Stadium.
Oct 21, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots former linebacker and current Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel makes a speech at his 2023 Patriots Hall of Fame induction in the Cross Insurance Pavilion at Gillette Stadium. / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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3. Kyle Dugger

The 32-year-old Dugger did not play up to standard this season after signing a four-year, $58 million contract extension in the offseason. The former second-round pick was coming off an impressive 2023 season, which led to the fanbase clamoring for Dugger to get an extension.

He had 109 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, six tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks. Dugger possessed a 68.8 completion percentage, an 82.7 pass rating allowed when targeted, and gave up one touchdown.

However, the former Lenoir-Rhyne star took a huge step back in 2024. Dugger only had 84 combined tackles, eight tackles for loss, four pass deflections, a quarterback hit, and a sack.

The veteran defensive back also struggled in pass coverage, which was alarming for Patriots fans. Dugger had a career-worst 76.1 completion percentage allowed on targets, a 137.4 pass rating when targeted, and allowed six receiving TDs.

The 28-year-old safety posted a terrible overall grade on PFF (44.3 – 157th among 170 qualified safeties) and a dismal pass coverage grade (34.8 – 163rd among 170 safeties). ‘

It will be tough for the Pats to move Dugger as he has a $15.2 million cap hit in 2025. However, he has a potential out in his contract for 2026, so they can explore the opportunity either in the offseason or at the trade deadline. 

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