Kyle Dugger's Reported Unhappiness Adding to Trade Speculation

Before NFL free agency began earlier this month, the New England Patriots used the transition tag on starting safety Kyle Dugger. Dugger became only the sixth player in the last 15 years to get placed on the transition tag.

Many New England fans thought the team would re-sign the 28-year-old safety to a long-term deal as the transition tag is only a placeholder. However, that long-term deal hasn’t come yet for the former Lenoir-Rhyne standout, which has led to the idea of Dugger potentially being traded.

Patriots News: Kyle Dugger Hasn’t Signed Transition Tag

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald wrote Sunday that Dugger “remains dissatisfied with the transition tag” and hasn’t signed it yet. 

It’s not surprising that Dugger hasn’t signed the tag, which would give him $13.2 million for the 2024 season. The veteran safety likely wants a long-term deal after coming off his best season as a pro in 2023. 

The former Division II star defensive back posted 109 total tackles, seven pass deflections, six tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and two interceptions. Dugger also had a 68.8 completion percentage, an 82.7 pass rating allowed when targeted, and gave up one receiving touchdown.

The Patriots cannot afford to trade Dugger this offseason as they don’t have a solid backup at the strong spot. Spotrac projected Dugger to get a four-year, $66 million deal this offseason, but it’s clear he and the Patriots aren’t on the same page.

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