Patriots Trade Safety Kyle Dugger to Steelers, Sign John Saunders Jr.

The New England Patriots traded veteran safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a move driven by the Patriots' new coaching regime under Mike Vrabel, which has shifted defensive priorities and reduced Dugger's playing time. The Steelers, struggling with defensive depth and a two-game losing streak, see Dugger as a valuable addition to bolster their secondary, particularly against high-powered offenses like the Indianapolis Colts. Pittsburgh plans to integrate Dugger gradually, with hopes he can contribute to tackling and turnover improvements despite limited practice time. Financially, the Patriots will pay most of the remaining $5.4 million on Dugger's contract, wiping out the final two years and making him a free agent after 2025. To compensate for roster changes, the Patriots signed Dolphins practice squad safety John Saunders Jr., who fits Vrabel's preference for taller defensive backs and had been scouted extensively. Meanwhile, the Steelers also bolstered their practice squad by signing offensive lineman Jack Driscoll, safety Darrick Forrest, and wide receiver John Rhys Plumlee to address depth concerns amid injuries.