New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has cleaned house in his first offseason with the team. He is not afraid of parting ways with team captains and players from the Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo era. Vrabel will adjust the Patriots’ defensive starting lineup to his standards, which could lead to veteran players losing their starting jobs.
New England Patriots’ veteran safety had a rough 2024 campaign
New England Patriots, Kyle Dugger
Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes the touchdown catch against New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) in the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Kyle Dugger had a rough 2024 campaign after signing a four-year, $58 million contract extension last offseason. He was a liability in coverage, failing to register an interception and recording four pass deflections, the lowest since 2020, while allowing a 76.1% completion percentage, six touchdowns, and a 137.4 passer rating in 13 games. Dugger missed four games with a high-ankle sprain sustained in Week 4, which was initially misdiagnosed, negatively impacting him later in the year, and he ultimately underwent tightrope surgery in January.
Mike Vrabel shared how Kyle Dugger can earn the starting job
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