Kyle Dugger has strong game in loss to the Dolphins on Sunday, remains a possible trade asset for the Patriots
The Patriots dropped to 2-6 after Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins, but one player was a star on the field. Safety Kyle Dugger shined for the defense, despite the team’s sloppy play.
Dugger intercepted a pass by Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa which later set up the offense’s first touchdown of the game. The turnover allowed Mac Jones and the offense to score three plays later. Jones connected with Kendrick Bourne on a 24-yard score.
The former second-round pick registered his second career sack that would set up an important third and long. Tagovailoa’s pass was intended for star wide receiver Tyreek Holl.
The same was a 6-yard loss in the second quarter. His first sack came against Zach Wilson on Nov. 22, 2022.
The secondary leader finished the game with a team-high nine total tackles with the aforementioned sack and interception.
With the Patriots’ season spiraling out of contention, the idea of the team to become sellers at the trade deadline is becoming more apparent by the day.
Dugger will be an interesting name at the deadline due to his standout play on defense and his positional versatility.
After Devin McCourty retired this offseason, Dugger became an instant leader and contributor on defense. One reason to consider that Dugger is expendable at the deadline is the Patriots lack of urgency to give him an extension. He is playing on the final year of his rookie contract and there’s been no reporting from the team’s beat on a new deal in the pipeline.
Dugger has been a key member on the defense and will be as long as he suits up every Sunday. His performance on Sunday is proof in the pudding that he is tremendously valuable to Bill Belichick’s defense.
With the trade deadline looming on Tuesday, Dugger holds value and will be a name to keep an eye on that potentially can be moved.
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