Pour one out, Pats Nation. Kyle Dugger — one of the most physical safeties we've had in years — is headed to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
Dugger was a fan favorite and a tone-setter in the secondary. His ability to come downhill and deliver punishing hits was a staple of our defense. But with the roster clearly pivoting toward youth and the future, the front office made the pragmatic call to move on and stockpile draft picks.
Two sixth-round picks from the White and Dugger trades might not sound like much individually, but this is how you build depth. The Patriots now have 11 selections in the 2026 draft, and Eliot Wolf has shown he can find gems throughout the draft board.
Thank you for everything, Kyle. You played your heart out every Sunday in a Patriots uniform, and the Terrible Towel crowd is getting a warrior.
Based on reporting from Boston Herald