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New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger

The New England Patriots are entering their first year of the Mike Vrabel era.

Vrabel and the Patriots staff have cut a few players who have ties to former head coach Bill Belichick, including longtime long snapper Joe Cardona, to instill a new atmosphere in Foxborough.

Patriots safety Kyle Dugger, who signed a four-year, $58 million contract extension last season, has recently been receiving snaps with the Patriots’ second team defense.

Dugger was named a bubble player to watch ahead of the team’s second preseason matchup against the Minnesota Vikings by the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed.

“The Patriots seem intent on only giving Dugger second-team reps in the fourth week of training camp. With Jabrill Peppers limited in Thursday’s joint practice, Dell Pettus, not Dugger, took over as the Patriots third safety next to veteran Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson,” Kyed wrote for the Boston Herald.

“Dugger has $9.75 million in guaranteed money, plus $1 million owed in per-game roster bonuses. Unlikely to find a trade partner for Dugger, there’s little the Patriots can do with the veteran safety’s contract.”

Vrabel On Kyle Dugger Playing With The Second Team

GettyNew England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel

Many noticed Kyle Dugger playing with the second team, with a reporter asking Mike Vrabel why the safety was demoted on the depth chart.

“He’s had a long recovery in the offseason. He’s been out there, and he’s continued to get better and work. The more that he practices, the better he’s going to feel and the more it’s going to translate onto the football field,” Vrabel said to the media.

“Just making sure that he’s where he needs to be and understanding the coverage concepts and everything we do. Keep working and keep progressing. A lot of this is the guys that have earned a right to take a look with that first unit, and there’ll be different lineups and different things. So, just focus on the reps that you get.”

The former Division 2 player had the second most tackles on the squad for the 4-13 Patriots last season, with 81 tackles despite playing in 13 games.

Vrabel also considers a move to the linebacker position for Dugger, a move that “helps the football team and the player.”

Experience To The Patriots

GettyKyle Dugger of the New England Patriots

Kyle Dugger is the longest tenured player on the New England Patriots roster, entering his sixth season with the organization.

Though not training with the first team anymore, his experience in a relatively young Patriots secondary will be vital entering the new season. Dugger’s leadership (a captain last season) can help motivate the team.

Dugger could help develop 2025 NFL Draft fourth-round draft pick, who is training with the first team, into a vital player for Vrabel’s defense.

As Kyed mentioned, Dugger’s contract will make it hard to find a trade partner. If Dugger continues to train with the second team, he should see some time on the field next season.

Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.  He is also covers college basketball for MidMajorBasketball.com. More about Jason Garcia