At this time last year, safety Kyle Dugger was one of the best and important players on the New England Patriots. Fast forward one year, and Dugger barely survived roster cuts after being the subject of trade rumors.
After the Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their next head coach, he implemented a new defensive scheme that favors lighter and faster players over heavier and bulkier players. Due to this change, numerous core defensive players were released, including Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jabrill Peppers. In addition to those cuts, this shift in scheme has led to the demotion of Dugger.
Although Dugger played seven snaps in his new role in Week 1, his workload has increased since then. In Sunday’s blowout 42-14 win against the Carolina Panthers, Dugger appeared in a season-high 35 defensive snaps, recording three total tackles.
While it’s great for fans to see Dugger playing more, his uptick in snaps may be the result of the team’s desire to improve Dugger’s trade value in an effort to move on from him.
Patriots Increasing Dugger's Playing Time To Improve His Trade Value
Appearing in just 74 snaps through four games this season, Dugger has recorded 11 total tackles and has allowed five receptions for 25 yards. Per Pro Football Focus, Dugger ranks 69th out of 125 qualifying safeties, receiving a 62.7 overall grade.
Despite not playing at the same volume or level he once did, Dugger has been serviceable, with his most notable contributions coming on special teams. Unfortunately, playing quality special teams and having a few impactful defensive snaps here and there isn’t up to par when you signed a four-year, $58 million contract extension in 2024.
Even before being demoted, Dugger had shown signs of regression last year. Although he recorded 81 total tackles and a career-high eight tackles for loss, he received a 44.3 overall grade per PFF, ranking 158th among 171 safeties, and received a 34.8 coverage grade. No matter how you try to spin it, those numbers speak for themselves and don't convey a positive message.
His six touchdowns allowed in coverage during the 2024 campaign were the most he’s given up in any season, despite only playing in 13 games last year. While it was later revealed that Dugger had played most of the season with a sprained ankle, he was unable to show any signs of his former self in training camp, which led to his demotion.
Even though he’s been playing more at this time, it’s been evident since the initial reports of Dugger falling behind on the depth chart that his time in New England could come to an end sooner rather than later. The trade rumors suggest that the defender isn’t in either the short-term or long-term plans of this team. Vrabel and company clearly favor the current duo of rookie safety Craig Woodson and Jaylinn Hawkins over Dugger and have no intentions of restoring him to his former role.
If any team is interested in picking up the 29-year-old safety, the Patriots would likely get little in return due to his massive contract. That being said, any asset is greater than a high-priced healthy player standing on the sidelines due to their inability to do the job.