After losing his starting spot on the roster, the New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger could be on the roster bubble right before the 2025 regular season begins. According to a report, one source believes the Patriots may release Dugger since he’s been working with the second and third units last week in practice. It feels strange that Dugger, once a starter, hasn’t been getting much attention despite signing a four-year extension last year. However, the demotion isn’t stopping from new head coach, Mike Vrabel, from making adjustments to the secondary unit.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Lenoir-Rhyne product played alongside Jabrill Peppers, recording 55 solo tackles, four pass deflections and one sack in 13 games, and all of them were starts. Dugger is slowing down just a bit from an ankle injury that kept him out of action for a couple of games, but he is coming off surgery this offseason into the 2025 regular season, so this could be one reason why the confidence has been lost. Either way, Dugger finds himself in a tough position in an uphill battle between Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson, so it’ll be interesting to see what the Patriots do in this situation. They could keep him, but it might not be sensible for the team to pay Dugger the amount of money that he’s signed under as a backup.
Breaking: Long-Time Patriot Kyle Dugger May Be On Roster Bubble – 4 Potential Fits
Possible Landing Spots
Baltimore Ravens
There’s zero chance that the New England Patriots will trade any of their player to stay within the division, but anything is possible here. The Ravens lost Ar’Darius Washington this offseason, and even if he makes a miraculous return, they should take their time with him. 2025 draft pick Malaki Starks was one of the best investments in the secondary unit, but they still need depth to help Kyle Hamilton. Dugger is recovering slowly, and once he’s back to 100%, he could be an efficient rotating piece.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints aren’t in the market for a safety this offseason despite losing Tyrann Mathieu to retirement. It will be a new era under Julian Blackmon and Justin Reid, but even then, they could benefit from a veteran’s presence. Dugger could continue to work the second team reps and make an impact in New Orleans as one of the experienced safeties in the league.
Los Angeles Chargers
Last year, the Los Angeles Chargers had one of the best secondaries in the league, but they lost cornerback Kristian Fulton. They made up for it by making cheap investments in Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste, so it’s really anyone’s job up for grabs. Calm down, keyboard warriors, Ja’Sir Taylor has a chance to make the 53-man roster, but if Dugger is available, he should be a reliable backup for Alohi Gilman and Derwin James.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys could be looking to move on from Donovan Wilson if he can’t improve. Malik Hooker is still exceeding expectations, but they could do better in this unit. Dugger probably won’t start for this safety room, but he might help Wilson in some situations.
