Things have been going well for the New England Patriots recently, entering Week 9 with a 6-2 record on the season. Sunday's win against the Cleveland Browns marked the fifth straight win for the Patriots, the longest streak since the 2021 season.
Now, at the midway point of the season, something to follow will be what the Patriots decide to do at the trade deadline. One move the team could look to do is upgrade the wide receiver position, with a surprising name seemingly available. Although the focus will be on who the Patriots will acquire, the team could be moving on from a veteran safety, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"The New England Patriots have been open to moving off their former franchise/transition saftey Kyle Dugger. We'll see if that happens," Schefter said on Tuesday (h/t @PatriotRedZone). "I would bet he’s no longer a Patriot by the time the trade deadline comes around on Tuesday."
Patriots Reportedly Open to Potential Kyler Dugger Trade
Dugger is a player whose spot on the roster has been in flux since the preseason.
A second-round pick in 2020, Dugger has seen his role decrease from that of prior seasons, and that regression was fully on display in Week 8 when Dugger didn't play a single snap against the Browns. In other words, Schefter's comments are far from surprising, especially if the Pats don't think a turnaround will happen in New England.
New England has reportedly been considering moving Dugger back to the preseason, and it appears they haven't changed their minds. In April 2024, Dugger signed an extension with the Patriots for four seasons, totaling $58 million, which will make any potential trade that much more difficult. Additionally, any trade would add $4.7 million and $9 million of dead money to the front office's books this season and in 2026, respectively.
If the Patriots look to make any moves for the trade deadline, they are running out of time. The NFL trade deadline is on Nov. 4, at 4 p.m. ET, giving them about a week to come up with something.
In the meantime, the Patriots have to get ready for the Week 9 game, which sees head coach Mike Vrabel & Co. host the 3-4 Atlanta Falcons. Another victory would bring New England one step closer to a postseason berth, which could also force the team to trade Dugger if it means bringing in a fresh face who helps the Pats become more of a playoff threat.