Steelers Trade for Dugger from Patriots

Bassyonni

ago 4 hours

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant move by acquiring safety Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots. This trade aims to bolster the Steelers’ defense as they gear up for the upcoming NFL season.

Kyle Dugger’s Performance Overview

In 2023, Dugger showcased his skills by starting all 17 games for the Patriots. His impressive statistics include 107 total tackles, with 70 of them being solo. Alongside this, he recorded six tackles for loss, seven passes defensed, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. His ability to contribute in multiple areas made him a key player for New England.

Key Achievements in 2023

107 total tackles.
70 solo tackles.
Career-high of 15 tackles against the Dallas Cowboys on October 1.
Highest single-game tackle output for a Patriots player since January 2022.

Impressive Track Record

Dugger’s 2022 season was equally remarkable. He participated in all 15 games, finishing with 69 tackles, including 46 solo efforts. Notably, he recorded three defensive touchdowns, a feat not achieved by a Patriots player since 1970. His highlights from that season include two touchdown returns from interceptions and one fumble recovery that he also returned for a touchdown. This earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor.

2022 Highlights

69 total tackles, 46 solo.
Three defensive touchdowns:
- 59-yard fumble recovery against the Lions on October 9.
- 16-yard interception return at the Raiders on December 18.
- 39-yard interception return against Miami on January 1.

Early Career at New England

Dugger joined the Patriots in 2020 and has steadily improved. In his rookie season, he started 7 of 14 games, achieving 59 tackles, and his defensive prowess has only grown since then. His statistics have consistently demonstrated his capability on the field.

Collegiate Background

Before joining the NFL, Dugger played at Lenoir-Rhyne University, where he was a standout defensive player. His college career amassed impressive totals, including:

237 tackles.
10 interceptions.
36 passes defensed.
Six forced fumbles and fumble recoveries.
67 punt returns for a record 929 yards and six touchdowns.

Dugger was honored with the Cliff Harris Award in his senior season, recognizing him as the best defensive player in NCAA Division II, despite playing only seven games that year.

As Dugger joins the Steelers, expectations are high for his contributions to an already promising defensive lineup.