"Throughout the summer, there were countless rumors about the most tradeable players who would likely be dealt before the season began, the most prominent of which included Kyle Dugger. The longtime starter had fallen down the depth chart from a disastrous 2024 season, and his inability to bounce back to impress the new coaching staff made him a primary trade candidate before making the 53-man roster."
"Because he was given a chance to prove them wrong, Dugger took the field for almost every game this season so far, but after another injury setback, Mike Vrabel and Co. traded him to the Steelers on Tuesday, officially ending his tenure as a starter in New England. It was immediately considered the right move, even if the team had given him a contract extension just over a year ago, and he was quickly replaced with a rookie safety signed from the Dolphins' practice squad."
Multiple offseason rumors named Kyle Dugger among the Patriots' most tradeable players after a disastrous 2024 season left him deep on the depth chart. Dugger played in nearly every game after being retained, but suffered another injury setback and was traded to the Steelers, ending his New England starting tenure. The Patriots signed undrafted safety John Saunders Jr. from the Miami Dolphins' practice squad as a quick replacement; he had a pre-draft meeting with the new regime and compiled 11 interceptions at Ole Miss and Miami (Ohio). The team has also tested younger safeties like Jaylinn Hawkins during lineup experimentation.
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