The New England Patriots have some big decisions to make ahead of Tuesday’s roster-cut day.
Some of their veterans might be on their way out.
Notably, that includes S Kyle Dugger.
Dugger has been tangled up in trade rumors for weeks now, and he knows he hasn’t always been at his best this offseason.
When asked about that, the veteran defender shared a candid response to the uncertainty about his future with the team.
“It’s been up and down. There’s been some inconsistency so it’s kind of tough… It is getting better… I’m just thankful to being able to play ball,” he said.
#Patriots S Kyle Dugger on this offseason:
“It's been up and down. There's been some inconsistency so it's kind of tough… It is getting better… I'm just thankful to being able to play ball."
Dugger says he will prepare for the good and bad ahead of Tuesday.
(✍️ @MikeReiss) pic.twitter.com/oMJt7kzeWq
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) August 24, 2025
Dugger used to be a staple of their defense.
He was a full-time starter, but he may have lost some ground in the Mike Vrabel regime.
Dugger got some work with the second unit, and that didn’t change throughout the course of training camp, thus sparking more and more rumors about his potential departure.
He’s a proven veteran who should have a market around the league.
Nevertheless, his lofty contract might be an issue, especially if the Patriots are actively trying to get him off their books, as they won’t have much leverage in trade talks.
He signed a four-year contract worth $58 million, and moving that type of contract at this point in the offseason will be way easier said than done.
At least he made some plays to make a case for himself in the preseason finale against the New York Giants, logging a couple of pass breakups and a pick.
The Patriots are looking to get back to contention, and straightening the course of the ship might take some tough decisions.
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