Asurprise second-round pick in 2020, safety Kyle Dugger has grown into one of the most reliable defenders on the New England Patriots‘ roster over his first four seasons.
But according to reports, a new regime in town led by head coach Mike Vrabel is shopping him ahead of roster cuts, so his days in New England appear to be numbered.
“The #Patriots are shopping safety Kyle Dugger, sources say, their starter the last five seasons,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on X on August 24. “While Dugger thrived in New England and eventually earned a 4-year, $58M contract extension, the new staff appears to view him differently. He’s played deep into preseason games.”
For a team like the San Francisco 49ers, who need help at safety, Dugger would be an intriguing addition, particularly with Malik Mustapha still recovering from injury.
A Closer Look at Dugger’s Time With the Patriots
Dugger’s rise was unorthodox from the start. Drafted in 2020 from Division II after playing primarily basketball and only starting football late in high school, he quickly became one of New England’s most versatile defenders.
His 2022 campaign was his best. He had three defensive TDs in the form of two pick-sixes and a fumble return for a score. Pro Football Focus named him one of the top safeties that year. The next two years brought challenges, though. A high-ankle sprain lingering into tightrope surgery in early 2024 contributed to a production dip.
From a financial perspective, Dugger’s contract may actually work—especially if the Patriots eat some bonus money. Per Over The Cap, he’s owed roughly $9.75 million in 2025, with no guarantees after that, which would give the Niners some flexibility.
The idea of Dugger heading to the Bay Area has been floating around for a bit.
“With Mustapha likely missing a chunk of the upcoming season, the 49ers may be looking to add another veteran to the room. If they are, they should give the New England Patriots a call about veteran safety Kyle Dugger,” Niners Wire’s Mike Masala wrote on August 20.
“Dugger is on the Patriots’ trade block, so if the 49ers were interested, they could probably bring him in for a mid-round pick.”
The 49ers have added veterans like Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant, and Ji’Ayir Brown has promise—but none have Dugger’s blend of physicality, versatility and experience.
Dugger’s $58 million contract and diminished role have muted league-wide interest. But if the 49ers and Robert Saleh think they can unlock what made him so special in 2022—they should swing a deal. A conditional Day 3 pick (say, a 2026 5th that escalates to a fourth based on performance) could be enough.
With San Francisco’s current need and New England’s willingness to move him, keep an eye on a Dugger trade over the coming week.
