Patriots Trade Dugger, Send White With Pick

The New England Patriots traded safety Kyle Dugger and a 2026 seventh‑round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2026 sixth‑round pick. New England also sent defensive end Keion White plus a 2026 seventh‑round pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2026 sixth‑round pick. Dugger, who signed a four‑year, $58 million extension in 2024 and has been a regular starter, saw his defensive snaps drop to roughly 40–44% this season and recorded 17 tackles, which contributed to the move. Pittsburgh acquired Dugger after DeShon Elliott’s knee injury and the team expects Dugger’s physicality and special-teams value to provide immediate help and potential starting upside. The Patriots plan to sign rookie safety John Saunders Jr. off the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad to fill a roster spot as New England reshapes its roster under coach Mike Vrabel ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.