Patriots Continue Payments to Kyle Dugger in Steelers Trade Deal
The New England Patriots have made headlines by trading safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This significant move was officially announced on Tuesday. While the trade alters the team’s roster, the financial implications are equally noteworthy.
Financial Breakdown of the Trade
Although Dugger is now a member of the Steelers, the Patriots will continue to handle parts of his salary. Notably, they will cover a portion of his remaining base salary for the 2025 NFL season. Recent reports indicate that the Patriots will pay most of the $5.4 million left from Dugger’s original contract, which totals $9.75 million.
- Signing and offseason bonuses will remain on the Patriots’ books.
- Dugger’s per-game roster bonuses can reach up to $530,000.
Trade Details
The structure of the trade involves Kyle Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick moving from New England to Pittsburgh. In return, the Patriots will receive a 2026 sixth-round selection. This financial concession serves to sweeten the deal, enabling the cap-rich Steelers to finalize the trade while affecting the Patriots’ salary cap.
Impact on Salary Cap
The trade will ultimately reduce the Patriots’ cap space rather than create savings. As analyzed by salary cap expert Miguel Benzan, the team’s losses for the 2025 season could approach $8 million once the trade is finalized.
- 2026: Saved $16.9 million
- 2027: Saved $18 million
Dugger’s original contract extension, signed in April 2024 for four years and $58 million, now sees a significant change. His final two contract years have been voided with this trade, and he is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Conclusion
This trade marks a pivotal moment for both the Patriots and Dugger, reshaping their futures as the NFL season progresses. The financial considerations will likely influence New England’s strategies in the upcoming seasons.
