Overview
- Pittsburgh is getting Kyle Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick from New England for a 2026 sixth-rounder, per reports from ESPN and NFL Network.
- DeShon Elliott is being placed on injured reserve with a hyperextended knee, creating the opening Dugger is expected to help fill, according to NFL Media.
- Dugger’s playing time fell sharply under first-year Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, with the veteran working behind Craig Woodson and Jaylinn Hawkins before the deal.
- The 2020 second-rounder signed a four-year, $58 million extension in April 2024; one report says the final two years were voided as part of this move, a detail not uniformly corroborated.
- New England also traded defensive end Keion White to the 49ers in a similar late-round pick swap, underscoring a broader roster reshuffle.