Pittsburgh Steelers Acquires Another Veteran Safety From Patriots Following a Blockbuster Trade Deal.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a bold move to shore up their secondary by acquiring veteran safety Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots, in a trade that comes at a pivotal moment. With starting safety DeShon Elliott sidelined by a knee injury and set to land on injured reserve, Pittsburgh wasted little time in acting.
In the deal, the Steelers send a 2026 sixth-round pick to New England, while acquiring Dugger and the Patriots’ 2026 seventh-round selection. Crucially, New England will cover most of Dugger’s remaining base salary for 2025—reportedly picking up roughly $6 million of the approximately $9.75 million he was owed—making the move a low-risk, high-potential reward for Pittsburgh.
Dugger, a second-round pick in 2020 out of Division II Lenoir–Rhyne University, has shown flashes of playmaking prowess in his six seasons with the Patriots—including nine career interceptions and a knack for run-support. However, under the new defensive regime in New England, his role had diminished and the Patriots evidently were willing to part ways.
For Pittsburgh, the timing couldn’t be better. Elliott’s knee injury exposed a glaring weakness in the secondary—particularly in run defense and tight-end coverage, areas where Elliott excelled. Without him, the Steelers’ defensive struggles had become more acute, prompting general manager Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin to act.
Dugger brings several traits that could revitalize the unit: physicality, versatility, and experience starting in the league. He will likely slot in alongside safeties such as Chuck Clark and Jabrill Peppers, providing immediate depth and an upgrade in the box-defense game. His presence also allows the Steelers more flexibility in disguising coverages and bolstering their tackling ability—two areas that have been problematic this season.
From the Patriots’ standpoint, the trade functions as both a salary-dump and a symbolic part of their roster reset. By off-loading Dugger’s contract and gaining a draft pick, New England signals a shift toward younger or more scheme-fit pieces in their defensive backfield.
For Pittsburgh’s faithful, the trade sends a message: they remain in the hunt. With this move, the Steelers not only plug an urgent hole but also display willingness to invest in winning now—even as the roster faces transition in other areas. It’s a gamble on Dugger re-finding his form; if he does, the payoff could be substantial.
The Steelers get a talented safety who can make plays, the Patriots free financial and roster flexibility, and the trade serves as a clear pivot for both clubs. For Pittsburgh, the hope is that Dugger’s arrival helps turn around a defense that needs saving—just in time for the stretch run.