The New England Patriots are being crafted in the image of first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, and that means some veteran players are being marginalized in favor of Vrabel-approved roster acquisitions.
One such player is Kyle Dugger, 29, who was a Patriots team captain in 2024 for the first time in his career. He will likely not earn that distinction this season, and it appears as if he is in jeopardy of losing his starting job, according to Comcast New England Patriots insider Phil Perry.
Dugger has been a productive player for the Patriots since being selected as a second-round pick in 2020. He has nine career interceptions and 424 tackles over 74 games.
However, his contract may make him a cap casualty when the Patriots trim their roster. Dugger is playing in the first year of a four-year, $58 million contract. According to NFL Analysis NFL insider Keagan Stiefel, he would cost the Patriots $14 million in dead cap space if released.
Stiefel names the Chiefs and Steelers as teams that might be interested in Dugger in a potential trade.
"The Kansas City Chiefs already lost veteran Deon Bush, so perhaps they look at external options," Stiefel wrote. "The Pittsburgh Steelers have aggressively upgraded their roster this offseason, but have struggled to find the right mix at safety."
NFL teams have until Tuesday. Aug. 27, at 4 p.m., to complete the final roster cutdown to 53 players.
