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6 Patriots Immediately on Thin Ice to Begin 2025 Offseason

Now that the disappointing 2024 NFL season is over, these six New England Patriots players have found themselves on thin ice to begin the 2025 offseason.

By Devon Platana

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. / Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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3. Kyle Dugger, S

Ever since being drafted 37th overall in 2020, Kyle Dugger has been one of the NFL's most promising safeties. The ex-Lenoir-Rhyne product's performance in the secondary has been reliable more often than not, which played a role in his signing a $58 million contract extension ahead of the 2024 season.

But while some players step up after they've been paid, Dugger's play has been heading in the wrong direction this season.

The 28-year-old safety has been a defensive liability throughout the 2024 campaign. Opposing quarterbacks have had a field day when targeting Dugger, proven by his surrendering 378 yards, six touchdowns, and a 141.3 passer rating on 35 receptions ahead of Week 18.

That abysmal showcase is a big reason why Dugger was Pro Football Focus' worst-graded safety in terms of coverage (35.3) and third-worst at his position for overall defensive play (45.6) entering the season finale.

Cutting Dugger this offseason would result in a massive dead cap hit, however, a separation isn't impossible. The Patriots can save $11 million in cap space next season if they trade Dugger after June 1. Even if he hasn't played well this season, another team might be open to a deal based on his resume alone.

Dugger has been a fan favorite in New England for years. If he can't get back to what made him beloved in the first place, he could be out of town sooner rather than later.

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