Patriots Trade Dugger White Restructure 2026 Draft Picks

The New England Patriots made significant roster changes by trading safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive end Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers. Dugger, who had a reduced role in New England and a $9.75 million base salary this season, was traded with the Patriots agreeing to pay most of his remaining salary, which clears substantial salary cap space for future seasons. White was traded with a conditional draft pick arrangement that depends on his game participation with the 49ers. These moves reflect the Patriots' focus on salary cap management and aligning their roster with head coach Mike Vrabel's defensive scheme, despite the team's strong start to the season. Pittsburgh acquired Dugger to bolster their secondary after injuries, while the 49ers sought White to improve their pass rush following key injuries. Analysts grade these trades as strategic for the Patriots, balancing immediate financial impacts with long-term competitiveness and draft positioning.