Tue Oct 28 23:20:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Patriots Eye Trade Deadline Shakeup: Dugger on the Chopping Block?
FOXBOROUGH, MA – October 27, 2025 – Riding a five-game winning streak and sitting at a comfortable 6-2 record, the New England Patriots are poised to make moves before the upcoming NFL trade deadline on November 4th. While speculation swirls around potential acquisitions to bolster the wide receiver corps, a surprising report has surfaced suggesting a potential departure of a key defensive player.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, veteran safety Kyle Dugger could be on his way out of Foxborough. “The New England Patriots have been open to moving off their former franchise/transition safety Kyle Dugger,” Schefter said. “I would bet he’s no longer a Patriot by the time the trade deadline comes around.”
Dugger, a second-round pick in 2020, has seen his role diminish this season, culminating in zero snaps during the Week 8 victory against the Cleveland Browns. This reduction in playing time, coupled with his significant four-year, $58 million contract signed in April 2024, makes a trade complicated. Trading Dugger would incur dead money charges of $4.7 million this season and $9 million in 2026.
Despite the financial implications, the Patriots appear willing to part ways with the safety if it means acquiring talent that could further enhance their playoff aspirations. The team has reportedly considered trading Dugger since the preseason.
The Patriots, who host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, face a tight deadline. With just over a week remaining, the front office must act quickly to assess their needs and make the necessary moves to solidify their roster for the remainder of the season. Whether acquiring a receiver or trading away a veteran defender, the next few days will be crucial in shaping the Patriots’ trajectory for the rest of the 2025 campaign.
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