PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Barely 24 hours after a brutal 35-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers exposed major secondary flaws, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold response: acquiring veteran safety Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots in a trade late Tuesday night.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Acquire S Kyle Dugger From The Patriots
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin leaves the field after an NFL International Series game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin leaves the field after an NFL International Series game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The deal sends Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round selection. It comes as the Steelers’ pass defense — which surrendered 360 passing yards and three touchdowns to Packers quarterback Jordan Love — appears desperate for reinforcement.
📊 Dugger’s Career at a Glance
Drafted: 2020, 2nd round (37th overall) by New England.
Career stats: 424 total tackles, 9 interceptions, 24 pass deflections, 3.5 sacks over six seasons.
Most recently extended: 4-year contract worth approximately $58 million in April 2024. New York Post+1
🔍 Why This Trade Matters
Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) runs for a touchdown after intercepting the ball during the second half of agame against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) runs for a touchdown after intercepting the ball during the second half of agame against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
For Pittsburgh: The move signals a direct fix to their glaring secondary issues. With veteran safety DeShon Elliott sidelined due to a knee injury from the Packers game, Dugger immediately bolsters depth and experience. CBS Sports
For New England: The Patriots appear to be shedding major salary and moving away from prior starters under the new coaching regime — a pivot that could signal further changes. Pats Pulpit
Timing is key: The trade arrived just days after Pittsburgh’s defensive collapse — making it feel reactive and urgent rather than strategic.
✅ What to Watch
Will Dugger get an immediate starting role in Pittsburgh’s defense and spark an improvement?
How will the Patriots use the extra cap space and their reshaped safety room in the stretch run?
Does this trade mark a larger trend of midseason shake-ups for both franchises ahead of the postseason push?
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