In addition to sending pass rusher Josh Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs, the New England Patriots may also trade team captain Kyle Dugger, according to a recent report. One of the brightest stars of the post-Brady Era, the Lenoir-Rhyne product was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Under former head coach Bill Belichick, Dugger was able to leverage his early performance into a four-year, $58 million contract by establishing himself as a fierce run defender with extraordinary instincts.
The Patriots may move Kyle Dugger, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, even though he is still a fine player. The fact that New England would incur about $20 million in dead money by trading the freshly re-signed safety and causing harm to the locker room makes this report somewhat puzzling. New England won’t give him away for free, even if the claim is accurate, but the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs might be prepared to pay a hefty price for his talents.
The Chiefs and Ravens may trade for the Patriots. Dugger, Kyle
Despite being the only team in the NFL without a loss, the Kansas City Chiefs don’t take their success for granted. Brett Veach, the general manager, is aware that this squad is not flawless, and he has already fixed the main problems by acquiring Uche and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Although this squad is ready for another deep postseason run, they would benefit from additional secondary support to improve their chances of becoming the first team to win three straight Super Bowls. The safety position may use some assistance, but the cornerbacks receive more attention.
On the third day of the NFL Draft, Veach appears to have discovered yet more talent, and 2023 fourth-round pick Chamarri Conner appears to be the genuine deal. However, veterans Bryan Cook and Justin Reid are performing like replacement-level starters and are not particularly noteworthy. A trade for Kyle Dugger would provide much-needed playmaking for this defense’s back half, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo should enjoy the hard-hitting, downhill style of play of the second-round pick.
The Ravens Preserve the Secondary
Despite having one of the best offenses in the league, the Baltimore Ravens’ defense may jeopardize their chances of winning the Super Bowl. The Ravens were forced to enter 2024 with inexpensive veterans and in-house depth in place of talents like Geno Stone, Patrick Queen, and Jadeveon Clowney after losing a number of important players in free agency. Currently ranked 28th in EPA/play allowed, that hasn’t worked out so far. Although a deal for Kyle Dugger won’t solve every issue, the five-year veteran might cover a number of defensive gaps.
Although Marcus Williams was having a difficult season prior to his unexpected benching, and Eddie Jackson is far past his prime, Kyle Hamilton is still one of the top safeties in the game. Dugger could easily transition into the position of second safety, giving Baltimore another top defensive backfield tandem. Furthermore, Dugger might strengthen a run defense that has been without Patrick Queen because he plays the game like a linebacker. Additionally, Dugger is a strong blitzer who may provide a top-heavy pass rush extra body.
