Steelers Acquire Kyle Dugger After Elliott Injury

The New England Patriots traded safety Kyle Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2026 sixth-round pick, a deal confirmed by multiple outlets. Pittsburgh pursued Dugger after starting strong safety DeShon Elliott suffered a hyperextended knee and was placed on injured reserve; Dugger is expected to compete immediately for a physical, downhill starting role alongside Chuck Clark and Jabrill Peppers. Dugger, a 2020 second-round pick who has started 69 of 81 career games, signed a four-year, $58 million extension in 2024 but had seen his snap share and role diminish under Patriots coach Mike Vrabel amid scheme and injury concerns. The Steelers are banking on Dugger to help a secondary that has given up large passing totals and ranks poorly in several defensive metrics. Financially, the deal limits Pittsburgh’s long-term guaranteed exposure — Dugger’s remaining guarantees expire after this season — while the Patriots continue a roster overhaul and reduce salary commitments.