Steelers Set to Boost Defense: Kyle Dugger Joins from Patriots!

The Pittsburgh Steelers are making moves to strengthen their defense after losing safety DeShon Elliott to a knee injury. In a quick response, they traded for Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots, along with a 2026 seventh-round pick. In exchange, the Steelers sent a sixth-round pick to New England. This trade, reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, aims to fill the gap left by Elliott.

This trade is notable for the Patriots as well. They had already traded defensive end Keion White earlier in the day, indicating a shift in strategy under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Despite the Patriots being 5-2 and leading the AFC East, Dugger’s role diminished this season, which opened the door for his departure.

Dugger was drafted in 2020 and quickly became an essential part of the Patriots’ defense. He started between 13 and 17 games each season from 2021 to 2024, amassing nine interceptions. Despite being given a significant four-year, $58 million extension in April 2024, his playing time decreased this year.

Before the trade, Dugger was only on the field for about 38% of the team’s defensive snaps, falling behind fellow safeties Craig Woodson and Jaylinn Hawkins. Pro Football Focus ranked him 62nd among 88 qualifying safeties for the 2025 season, highlighting his struggles this year.

For the Steelers, the signing of Dugger comes at a crucial time. Elliott is heading to injured reserve and will miss at least four games. The Steelers are currently 4-3 and facing a tough schedule against four playoff contenders: the Colts, Chargers, Bengals, and Bears. Their pass defense has struggled significantly, allowing a league-high 273.3 passing yards per game. In their previous two games, quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Jordan Love combined to throw for 702 yards and six touchdowns against them.

Dugger’s arrival will bolster a safety group that includes Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, and former teammate Jabrill Peppers. Having played alongside Peppers in New England for two years, Dugger may step into a starting role, providing the Steelers with much-needed support in their upcoming games.

This trade reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where teams are seeking to enhance their rosters ahead of the trade deadline. Historically, the NFL trade market has seen various deals close to the deadline that can shift the balance of power. With the deadline approaching on November 4, teams are pushing to make the right moves, and Pittsburg’s trade for Dugger could prove to be a vital step.

For further details regarding the NFL’s trade dynamics and impact, you can check out recent analyses from sources like ESPN or NFL.com.

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