The Pittsburgh Steelers need to address the safety position after placing their top starter on injured reserve. DeShon Elliott will miss at least the next four games with a hyperextended knee after initial concern was that he had suffered a season-ending injury. Meanwhile, Juan Thornhill and Chuck Clark, who have played the most and third-most snaps at the position, have struggled.
Pittsburgh Steelers acquire $58 million defensive back
Aug 19, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) on the sideline during the second half of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots have agreed to a single-player trade and a late-round pick swap. The Steelers acquire Kyle Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick, while the Patriots receive a 2026 sixth-round pick. The team inherits the remaining three years of his four-year, $58 million contract, making him a free agent in 2028, per Spotrac.
Trade! The Patriots are sending safety Kyle Dugger to the Steelers, per sources.
New England gets a 2026 sixth-round pick for a 2026 seventh and Dugger, who had lost his starting role. Now, a new opportunity in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/F35yfsf09e
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 28, 2025
Here’s what went down in 2025
Aug 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) interception a pass in the end zone during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Kyle Dugger lost the starting safety job during training camp to Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson after starting 65 games throughout his first five years. Since then, he has played sparingly, logging approximately 39% of defensive snaps, the lowest total of his career. The Patriots have reportedly made Dugger available via trade since the offseason, gaining traction in August, and picking up steam as the NFL Trade Deadline approaches next Tuesday.
Fans react to the trade
Oct 26, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers fan waves a terrible towel during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Steelers have the 2025 Patriots entire initial projected starting safety room now (Peppers and Dugger)
— Seth Main (@YANGS1K) October 28, 2025
I’ve been trashing the Steelers for the last 2 weeks because of how pissed off they made me, but this is a great move. Well done Omar.
— Harry Hog | Certified Steelers Ball Knower (@deangullberry86) October 28, 2025
BANG
— MetcalfBurgh 🫡 (@PickensBurgh) October 28, 2025
Great, can’t wait for him to play only 3 snaps cuz Tomlin will want to stick with Clark because he is older
— Teryl Austins Playbook (@PittsburghsDC) October 28, 2025
Instead of running from contact – he looked to make a play…
We could use more of that!#HereWeGo
— Shug J Merce (@TheShugMovement) October 28, 2025
He’s ok if he stays in the box but he can’t cover anyone
— Maggie (@330_maggie) October 28, 2025
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