The New England Patriots have reportedly been trying to move on from veteran safety Kyle Dugger for weeks now. There have been no takers, and with Tuesday's roster-cut deadline just around the corner, that situation might not change.
That's not necessarily because of Dugger as a player or a person, but a result of the contract extension the Patriots gave him in the 2024 offseason.
Kyle Dugger's Contract Makes Him Almost Untradeable
According to Mark Daniels of MassLive, the sentiment around the league is that no team will want to absorb the huge cap hit and salary, especially after watching his play decline right after he got that contract.
"One source said he’d be “shocked” if another team were willing to trade for the veteran safety, citing the contract extension’s guaranteed money for 2026 and 2027. The Patriots gave Dugger $32.5 million in guarantees."Mark Daniels, MassLive
When asked about whether he expected to be cut on Tuesday, the former second-round selection didn't want to stir the pot, and he talked about getting back to his former level of play:
"Nah, things are going to go how they're going to go," Dugger said. "Trusting God in it, and I'm going to keep taking the opportunities that I have, that's continue to get better. And like I said, get back to playing fast."Kyle Dugger
Dugger lost some ground in training camp, and he got most of his work with the second unit, further raising doubts about his future with the organization. He finished the season with 81 total tackles (55 solo) and one sack. It was also the first time since his rookie season that he failed to get an interception.
Jaylinn Hawkins, Jabrill Peppers, and rookie Craig Woodson have gotten the bulk of the reps in training camp, and it looks like head coach Mike Vrabel is going to roll with them to start the season.
Dugger is 29 years old and five years removed from being a second-round selection, so there should still be some sort of market for him. Even so, given his history of injuries (he's missed at least two games in all but one season) and his steep salary, the Pats may have to absorb a big chunk of his salary or attach a valuable draft pick to his deal to find a team willing to take him right now.