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Kyle Dugger (born March 22, 1996) is an American professional football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Lenoir–Rhyne Bears and was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Dugger primarily played basketball at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Georgia. Dugger did not start on the football team until his senior year. Lenoir–Rhyne, an NCAA Division II program in North Carolina, was one of three schools that offered Dugger,[1] along with NCAA Division III member Berry College and NAIA member Reinhardt University.[2]

College career

[edit]

After redshirting his freshman year, Dugger became an immediate starter in the Bears secondary his redshirt freshman year.[1] He played cornerback during his redshirt freshman season but switched to safety before his sophomore season, which he also redshirted due to a meniscus injury.[3] He recorded three interceptions and three fumble recoveries during his junior season.[4]

Dugger utilized his athleticism during his senior year, at one point returning two punts for touchdowns within a seven-minute span against Virginia–Wise.[5] For his play in his senior season, Dugger was awarded the Cliff Harris Award in 2019, given to the best small-school defensive player.[6] Dugger also participated in the 2020 Senior Bowl, where scouts praised his field instincts.[7]

Scouts praised Dugger for his speed on the field, projecting him at either safety, cornerback or returner in the NFL.[1]

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Dugger was placed onto preseason watch lists prior to his senior season. The majority of draft analysts projected Dugger to be a late second round or early third round pick. Dugger was ranked as the 2nd best strong safety in the draft by Draftscout.com.[8] Dane Brugler of the Athletic had him listed as the third best safety prospect in the entire draft. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. had Dugger ranked fourth among all safeties.[9] Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus and Steven Ruiz of USA TODAY had Dugger ranked as the fifth best safety available in the draft.[10][11] NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah had him ranked as the fifth best safety prospect (73rd overall).[12] Kevin Hanson of Sports Illustrated ranked Dugger as the sixth best safety prospect in the draft.[13]

External videos
video icon Kyle Dugger: NFL Scouting Combine
video icon Kyle Dugger runs 4.49s 40-yard dash
video icon Kyle Dugger's College Highlights
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press Wonderlic
6 ft 0+7⁄8 in
(1.85 m)		 217 lb
(98 kg)		 32+7⁄8 in
(0.84 m)		 10+3⁄8 in
(0.26 m)		 4.49 s 1.61 s 2.65 s 42.0 in
(1.07 m)		 11 ft 2 in
(3.40 m)		 17 reps 23
All values from NFL Combine[14][15]

New England Patriots

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2020

[edit]
See also: 2020 New England Patriots season

The New England Patriots selected Dugger in the second round (37th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft. Dugger was the second safety drafted in 2020, one selection behind Xavier McKinney. His selection marked the first time in 18 years a player from Lenoir-Rhyne was drafted since John Milem in 2002. Dugger became the highest drafted player in school history, surpassing Milem who was a 5th round pick, and was only the 7th player drafted from his alma mater since the NFL Draft was established in 1936.[16] He was the first player chosen in that draft who played outside Division I FBS.[17]

External videos
video icon Patriots select Kyle Dugger No. 37
video icon ESPN 2020 Draft Profile: Kyle Dugger

On May 20, 2020, the Patriots signed Dugger to a four–year, $8.33 million contract that includes $4.60 million guaranteed upon signing and a signing bonus of $3.61 million.[18]

Throughout training camp, he competed for the role as the primary backup safety against veterans Adrian Phillips, Terrence Brooks, and Cody Davis after the Patriots' longtime starting safety, Duron Harmon, was traded to the Detroit Lions during the off-season. On July 19, 2020, starting strong safety Patrick Chung announced his decision to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Head coach Bill Belichick named Dugger the primary backup safety to begin the season, behind starting duo Adrian Phillips and Devin McCourty.

On September 13, 2020, Dugger made his regular season debut in the New England Patriots' home-opener against the Miami Dolphins, but saw limited snaps in their 21–11 victory. He was inactive for two games (Weeks 7–8) due to an ankle injury. On November 15, 2020, Dugger earned his first career start at free safety with the Patriots' normal starter Devin McCourty moving over to nickelback. He made a season-high 12 combined tackles (seven solo) during a 23–17 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.[19] As a rookie, Dugger appeared in 14 games and started seven, while making 64 combined tackles (43 solo) and one tackle for a loss.[20] He received an overall grade of 64.1 from Pro Football Focus as a rookie in 2020.[21] The New England Patriots finished the 2020 NFL season with a 7–9 record and did not qualify for the playoffs.

2021

[edit]
See also: 2021 New England Patriots season

Throughout training camp, Dugger learned to play multiple roles at free safety and nickel following the retirement of Patrick Chung after playing 12 seasons. He competed to be the primary backup safety against Jalen Mills.[22] Head coach Bill Belichick named Dugger a backup and listed him as the second free safety on the depth chart, behind Devin McCourty, who was paired with Adrian Phillips to start the regular season. In nickel situations necessitating a fifth defensive back, Dugger would enter the game at free safety with Devin McCourty moving over to nickelback.

On September 12, 2021, Dugger started in the New England Patriots' home-opener against the Miami Dolphins and made seven combined tackles (six solo) during a 17–16 loss. In Week 5, Dugger set a season-high ten combined tackles (five solo) during a 25–22 victory at the Houston Texans. On October 17, 2021, Dugger recorded eight solo tackles, a pass deflection, and had his first career interception on a pass thrown by Dak Prescott to wide receiver Cedrick Wilson during a 29–35 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys.[23] The next week, Dugger recorded nine combined tackles (seven solo), made one pass deflection, and had a second consecutive game with an interception on a pass attempt by Mike White in the 54–13 win over the New York Jets.[24] On December 2, 2021, the Patriots officially placed Dugger on the COVID-19/Reserve list, which rendered him inactive during a 14–10 victory at the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.[25] On January 2, 2022, Dugger made two combined tackles (one solo), a pass deflection, and set a career-high with his fourth interception of the season after picking off a pass thrown by Trevor Lawrence as the Patriots routed the Jacksonville Jaguars 50–10. He was sidelined in Week 18 after injuring his hand and the Patriots would lose 24–33 at the Miami Dolphins. He finished the 2021 NFL season with a total of 92 combined tackles (70 solo), five pass deflections, and a career-high four interceptions in 15 games and 13 starts.[26]

The New England Patriots finished the 2021 NFL season second in the AFC East with a 10–7 record and qualified for a Wildcard berth. On January 15, 2022, Dugger started in the first postseason game in his career and recorded four combined tackles (three solo) as the Patriots were routed 17–47 at the Buffalo Bills.[27]

2022

[edit]
See also: 2022 New England Patriots season

Throughout training camp, he competed against Adrian Phillips and Jabrill Peppers to be the starting strong safety. Head coach Bill Belichick named him and Devin McCourty the starting safeties to begin the season.

He was inactive for the Patriots' 26–37 loss against the Baltimore Ravens due to a knee injury. On October 9, 2022, Dugger made five combined tackles (one solo) and returned a fumble recovery 59–yards for the first touchdown of his career during a 29–0 victory against the Detroit Lions. He scored his touchdown after linebacker Matt Judon had a strip-sack on Jared Goff that Dugger recovered and returned for a 59–yard touchdown during the second quarter. In Week 6, he made eight combined tackles (six solo), set a season-high with two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Jacoby Brissett to wide receiver Pharaoh Brown on the opening drive of a 38–15 victory at the Cleveland Browns. On November 20, 2022, he had seven combined tackles (four solo), one pass deflection, and had his first career sack on Zach Wilson for a seven–yard loss as the Patriots defeated the New York Jets 10–3. In Week 12, he set a season-high with nine combined tackles (eight solo) during a 26–32 loss at the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 15, Duggar had six combined tackles (three solo), a pass deflection, and had the first pick-six of his career after intercepting a pass by Derek Carr to wide receiver Davante Adams during a 24–30 loss at the Las Vegas Raiders. On January 1, 2023, Duggar made five combined tackles (three solo), two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass thrown by Teddy Bridgewater to wide receiver Trent Sherfield and returned it 39–yards for a touchdown during a 23–21 win at the Miami Dolphins. His performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[28] He led the league with three defensive touchdowns (two interceptions, one fumble recovery).[29] He finished the season with 78 combined tackles (50 solo), eight pass deflections, three interceptions, three touchdowns, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and one sack in 15 games and 15 starts.[30] He received an overall grade of 78.4 from Pro Football Focus in 2022.[31]

2023

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See also: 2023 New England Patriots season

He returned as the de facto starting strong safety and was paired with Jalen Mills following the retirement of Devin McCourty. On October 1, 2023, he set a career-high with 15 combined tackles (12 solo) as the Patriots lost 3–38 at the Dallas Cowboys. In Week 8, Dugger made nine combined tackles (seven solo), a pass deflection, made his only sack of the season, and intercepted a pass by Tua Tagovailoa to wide receiver Tyreek Hill during a 17–31 loss at the Miami Dolphins. The following week, he made six combined tackles (five solo), a pass deflection, and had his second consecutive game with an interception after picking off a pass thrown by Sam Howell to wide receiver Jahan Dotson during a 17–20 loss against the Washington Commanders in Week 9. He started in all 17 games and had 100 combined tackles (71 solo), seven pass deflections, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks.[32] He received an overall grade of 61.7 from Pro Football Focus in 2023.[33]

2024

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See also: 2024 New England Patriots season

On March 5, 2024, the New England Patriots placed the transition tag on Dugger, giving them the right to match any offer from another team and offering Dugger a one–year, $13.18 million contract.[34]

On April 9, 2024, the New England Patriots signed Dugger to a four–year, $58 million contract extension that includes $32.50 million guaranteed and $29.75 million guaranteed upon signing.[35][18]

He entered training camp slated as the de facto starting strong safety under new defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. Head coach Jerod Mayo named Dugger and Jabrill Peppers as the starting safeties to begin the season. In Week 2, he had nine combined tackles (eight solo) and had his only sack of the season on Geno Smith for a four–yard loss during a 20–23 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks. He was inactive during a 10–15 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 5 due to an injured ankle. On October 20, 2024, Dugger set a season-high with 11 combined tackles (nine solo) and made one pass deflection during a 16–32 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars. He injured his ankle again and was subsequently sidelined for three games (Weeks 8–10).[36] He finished the season with 81 combined tackles (55 solo), four pass deflections, and one sack in 13 games and 13 starts.[37] He received an overall grade of 44.3 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 158th among 171 qualifying safeties in 2024.[31]

2025

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See also: 2025 New England Patriots season

In his final seven games with the Patriots, Dugger recorded 17 tackles.[38]

Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]
See also: 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers season

On October 30, 2025, the Patriots traded Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.[39] Following the acquisition, Pittsburgh amended the final two years of Dugger's contract, enabling him to become a free agent after the season.[40] In Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Dugger recorded three tackles and an interception that was returned for a 74-yard touchdown in a 34-12 win.[41]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kyle Dugger

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kyle Dugger (born March 22, 1996) is an American professional football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 220 pounds, Dugger was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round (37th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft after attending Jones County Junior College and a standout college career at Lenoir-Rhyne University, a Division II program. On October 30, 2025, the Steelers acquired Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick from the Patriots in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, marking a significant mid-season roster move for Pittsburgh amid injuries at the safety position. Dugger's path to the NFL was unconventional, hailing from Decatur, Georgia, where he initially focused on basketball before transitioning to football at Whitewater High School. At Lenoir-Rhyne, he excelled as a versatile defensive back, earning All-South Atlantic Conference honors and helping lead the Bears to a 13-1 record in his senior year of 2019, with 31 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups. His selection as the first Division II player drafted by the Patriots since 2014 highlighted his athleticism, including a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, which propelled him from an overlooked prospect to a second-round pick. In his professional career with the Patriots, Dugger quickly established himself as a key contributor, starting 11 games as a rookie in 2020 and recording 58 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble while also contributing on special teams. Over five seasons in New England, he amassed 373 total tackles, 10 interceptions, and 3.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to play both safety positions and even line up at linebacker in certain packages. In April 2024, Dugger signed a four-year contract extension worth $58 million, with the potential to reach $66 million through incentives, underscoring his value to the team before the 2025 trade. Since joining the Steelers, Dugger has provided immediate depth and versatility to a secondary dealing with injuries, including to safety DeShon Elliott, as Pittsburgh aims to bolster its playoff push in the 2025 season.

Early years

Family background and childhood

Kyle Dugger was born on March 22, 1996, in Decatur, Georgia. He was raised in a family deeply rooted in athletics, particularly basketball, which profoundly influenced his early interests. Dugger's mother, Kimberly Oates Dugger, is a Hall of Fame basketball player at Fort Valley State University, where she led NCAA Division II in rebounding during the 1989 season and earned multiple accolades as a power forward. His father, James Dugger, served in the United States Marine Corps, instilling a sense of discipline in the household. Dugger has an older brother, Patrick, a 6-foot-7, 260-pound athlete who played college basketball at LaGrange University and later pursued professional opportunities overseas. This basketball-centric family dynamic emphasized competitive sports from a young age, with no other siblings mentioned in public records. In his early childhood in the Decatur area, Dugger was immersed in local Georgia communities where basketball dominated his activities, fostering initial hoop dreams aligned with his family's legacy. He participated in youth basketball programs and recreational play, which honed his athletic skills and competitiveness. While football exposure came later, Dugger engaged in introductory community sports that included both basketball and football, building a broad foundation in physical development and teamwork within metro Atlanta's vibrant youth sports scene. No major relocations disrupted his youth, allowing consistent growth in this supportive environment. This family-driven athletic upbringing laid the groundwork for his later pursuits in high school sports.

High school career

Kyle Dugger attended Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Georgia, graduating in 2014 after enrolling in 2010. During his high school years, he emerged as a multi-sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and track, which helped build his versatility and physical conditioning. In football, Dugger primarily played as a safety and cornerback, though he did not become a starter until his senior year. That season, he recorded 80 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass breakups, earning All-County honors as a defensive back. His late-blooming frame—he stood at 5-foot-9 as a junior but grew to 6 feet by senior year—limited his earlier prominence on the team, but his athleticism shone in standout games, including key defensive plays that highlighted his speed and instincts. Dugger also excelled in basketball as a point guard, averaging 7.6 points, 3.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game across his career, which ranked him among the top performers in steals in Georgia's Division AAAAA. He received All-County recognition for his contributions to the team, using his quickness and court vision to facilitate plays and disrupt opponents. His track involvement further enhanced his speed and endurance, rounding out a well-developed athletic profile despite not receiving widespread attention initially. Dugger's recruitment was modest due to his smaller stature and late start in football, with only a few offers from Division II programs like Lenoir-Rhyne and NAIA school Reinhardt, alongside limited interest from others such as Wingate and Valdosta State. Despite the modest recruitment, Dugger signed with Division II program Lenoir-Rhyne University.

College career

Lenoir–Rhyne University

Dugger enrolled at Lenoir–Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, in 2014 as a freshman, redshirting his initial year before becoming a key contributor to the Bears' football program. He majored in engineering physics, completing his bachelor's degree in 2020 while balancing academics with his athletic commitments. In his senior season of 2019, Dugger solidified his status as a defensive leader despite a finger injury limiting him to seven games. He tallied 31 tackles, including 15 solo stops, two interceptions, and six pass breakups, while also excelling on special teams with 12 punt returns for 175 yards and two touchdowns. His disruptive play, including contributions to the Bears' forced fumbles (part of his career total of six), anchored a stout defense that emphasized run support and coverage versatility. Dugger's standout performance earned him prestigious accolades, including the Cliff Harris Award as the nation's top small college defensive player, First-Team All-South Atlantic Conference honors for the second straight year, and consensus Division II All-American selection as both a safety and return specialist. He was also named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, recognizing the outstanding defensive player in Division II football. These honors highlighted his versatility, physicality, and impact beyond raw numbers. Under Dugger's leadership, the Lenoir–Rhyne defense played a pivotal role in the team's remarkable 13–1 record, culminating in an appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs where the Bears advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to the eventual national champion West Florida. His preparation and on-field presence drew significant attention from NFL scouts, positioning him as one of the top defensive backs from the Division II level.

Professional career

Pre-draft process and NFL Draft

Following his standout senior season at Lenoir–Rhyne University, where he earned first-team All-American honors as a defensive back, Kyle Dugger entered the 2020 NFL Draft process as a projected mid-round prospect. His Division II background raised concerns about competition level among some scouts, but his exceptional athleticism and versatility—highlighted by strong performances at the Senior Bowl—positioned him as a high-upside safety with potential to play multiple roles in the secondary. Mock drafts frequently slotted him in the mid-second round, with rankings as one of the top five safeties overall. Dugger participated in the NFL Scouting Combine on February 27, 2020, in Indianapolis, where he measured 6 feet 1 inch tall and 217 pounds, with 32⅞-inch arms and 10⅛-inch hands. He recorded a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, a 42-inch vertical jump, a 17-repetition bench press, and a 134-inch broad jump, earning a 9.56 Relative Athletic Score and the highest athleticism score (99) among safeties per Next Gen Stats. These results elevated his draft stock, showcasing his explosiveness and physical tools despite his smaller-school pedigree. At Lenoir–Rhyne's Pro Day on March 10, 2020—held before widespread COVID-19 disruptions—Dugger impressed with strong showings in position drills, shuttle runs, and interviews, including sessions with the New England Patriots and other teams evaluating his football IQ and special teams potential. He followed up with private workouts and virtual meetings as the draft process shifted online, further demonstrating his adaptability and tackling prowess on film. The New England Patriots selected Dugger in the second round, 37th overall, on April 24, 2020, marking the first time a Lenoir–Rhyne player was drafted since defensive end John Milem in 2000. As the highest-drafted player in program history and the only Division II safety taken in the second round since 2007, his selection underscored the Patriots' emphasis on athletic traits to rebuild their secondary.

2020 season

Following his selection by the New England Patriots in the second round (37th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, Dugger signed a four-year rookie contract worth $8,331,902, including $4,608,287 in guaranteed money and a $3,619,564 signing bonus. The deal reflected the value placed on his athleticism and versatility from a Division II program, positioning him as a key addition to a secondary needing depth post-Stephon Gilmore's departure. Dugger quickly adapted to the NFL under head coach Bill Belichick, who praised his ability to play multiple roles across the defense and special teams amid a COVID-19-shortened training camp and preseason. He appeared in 14 games, starting seven at safety, and recorded 64 combined tackles (43 solo), two interceptions, and one forced fumble. His snap count increased progressively, reaching over 50 defensive snaps in several late-season games, as Belichick utilized his physicality near the line of scrimmage and in coverage to bolster a transitioning unit. A standout moment came in Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals, where Dugger forced a fumble on running back Kenyan Drake that linebacker Raekwon McMillan returned 23 yards for a touchdown, contributing to a defensive effort that helped secure a 20-17 overtime victory. This play exemplified his instinctive playmaking, which Belichick highlighted as a reason for his rapid integration despite the challenges of a pandemic-disrupted rookie year.

2021 season

In his second NFL season, Kyle Dugger transitioned to a more prominent role on the New England Patriots' defense, leveraging the confidence gained from his rookie-year contributions on special teams. He appeared in 15 regular-season games with 13 starts, registering 92 total tackles (70 solo), four interceptions for 100 yards, and five pass deflections. Dugger's versatility shone in key moments, including an interception off Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in Week 6 that helped secure a 35-29 victory, followed by another pick against New York Jets quarterback Mike White the next week. He added a 37-yard interception return against the Cleveland Browns in Week 10, setting up a touchdown, and capped the regular season with his fourth interception in a Week 17 win over the Miami Dolphins. His hard-hitting style bolstered the Patriots' run defense, where he frequently stuffed plays at or near the line of scrimmage, contributing to the unit ranking ninth in the NFL against the rush (112.5 yards allowed per game). Dugger faced injury hurdles, including a hamstring issue that made him questionable for Weeks 5 and 6, and a knee problem listed in Week 7, yet he missed only two regular-season games—one due to the hamstring and another after being placed on the COVID-19 reserve list in early December. He returned strong for the postseason, playing all snaps in the Patriots' wild-card playoff loss to the Dolphins. The team finished 10-7, securing the AFC's No. 6 seed before falling 26-20 in Miami, where Dugger tallied four tackles.

2022 season

In 2022, Kyle Dugger entered his third NFL season with the New England Patriots fully recovered from the ankle injury that sidelined him for four games the previous year. He appeared in 15 games, starting all of them, and recorded 78 total tackles (50 solo), three interceptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns, eight passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, and one sack. These figures marked a significant uptick in his ball production compared to his first two seasons, highlighting his growth as a versatile defender. Dugger's role expanded under defensive play-caller Steve Belichick, who served as the outside linebackers coach and assumed responsibility for calling the Patriots' defensive schemes. He frequently lined up in hybrid safety-linebacker positions, leveraging his 6-foot-2, 216-pound frame to contribute against both the run and pass, while playing approximately 85% of the team's defensive snaps across his 15 appearances. According to Pro Football Focus, Dugger earned an overall grade of 78.4, ranking eighth among safeties with at least 700 snaps; this included a top-10 coverage grade of 78.3 and a top-20 run-defense grade of 76.7, with strong tackling efficiency. His highlights included three defensive touchdowns—one via fumble return and two pick-sixes, notably a 39-yard interception return against Miami's Teddy Bridgewater in Week 17—underscoring his impact in the secondary. The Patriots finished the 2022 season with an 8-9 record, placing third in the AFC East and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. Dugger's consistent production helped anchor a defense that ranked ninth in points allowed (20.4 per game), though the unit struggled with consistency amid broader team challenges.

2023 season

In the 2023 season, Kyle Dugger started all 17 games for the New England Patriots, serving as a key anchor in the secondary during a challenging year that ended with a 4-13 record. Building on his positional versatility from the prior season, Dugger demonstrated leadership by stepping into a more prominent role as the unit's veteran presence following Devin McCourty's retirement, helping to guide younger players amid defensive inconsistencies that contributed to the team's poor performance. Dugger achieved career highs in several categories, recording 109 combined tackles (71 solo), 1.5 sacks, two interceptions for 35 yards, and seven pass deflections. His interceptions came in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins (15 yards) and Week 9 versus the Washington Commanders (20 yards), while his sacks included a full sack on Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Week 8 and a half-sack in Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of his standout performances was in Week 4 at Dallas, where he tallied 15 tackles (12 solo), showcasing his run-support reliability near the line of scrimmage. Throughout the season, Dugger's contributions extended beyond statistics, as he mentored emerging talents in the secondary, emphasizing communication and scheme adherence to mitigate coverage lapses that plagued the Patriots' defense, which ranked near the bottom of the league in points allowed. His consistent play helped stabilize the back end despite the unit's overall struggles, underscoring his evolution into a foundational leader for the group.

2024 season

Dugger entered the 2024 season as a key anchor in the New England Patriots' secondary, building on his versatile performance from the prior year that included multiple roles in run defense and coverage. He started all 13 games he appeared in, serving as a defensive captain and logging significant snaps near the line of scrimmage as well as in deep safety positions. Early in the campaign, Dugger established himself as a reliable tackler, leading the team with 3 total tackles in a Week 3 loss to the New York Jets on September 19. His contributions helped stabilize a defense that ranked among the league's better units against the run initially, with Dugger's physicality evident in forcing a fumble during the season. Through those 13 appearances, Dugger amassed 81 total tackles (55 solo), one sack, one forced fumble, and four passes defensed. Midseason evaluations highlighted his impact, though his overall performance was hampered by an emerging injury. Another standout effort came in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals on December 15, where he again led the Patriots with 10 tackles (6 solo) in a 17-30 road loss. These moments underscored his role as an early-season leader on a Patriots defense that contributed to the team's 4-13 overall record. Dugger's season was ultimately cut short by a persistent right ankle injury, initially diagnosed as a mild sprain in Week 4 but later revealed to be a high-ankle sprain that worsened over time. He aggravated the injury during a Friday walkthrough practice before Week 8, following a Week 7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, leading to missed games in Weeks 8 through 10 against the Jets, Titans, and Bears. The injury also resulted in a missed game in Week 5 against the Dolphins. Despite pushing through discomfort for much of the year without being placed on injured reserve, Dugger underwent tightrope surgery on January 9, 2025, to repair the damage after the season concluded. He played the 2024 campaign under a four-year, $58 million contract extension signed in April, which included $32.5 million in guarantees.

2025 season

In late October 2025, Kyle Dugger was acquired by the Pittsburgh Steelers via trade from the New England Patriots, in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, with the Steelers sending back a 2026 seventh-round selection. The deal was facilitated by a pre-trade restructuring of Dugger's existing four-year, $58 million contract extension originally signed with New England in 2024, allowing Pittsburgh to assume just $650,000 in base salary for the remainder of the 2025 season while the Patriots covered the bulk of his approximately $10.3 million in remaining compensation, including bonuses. This move addressed injuries in Pittsburgh's secondary, particularly with safety DeShon Elliott sidelined, and provided Dugger a fresh opportunity following his recovery from a 2024 lower-body injury that had hampered his mobility. The restructuring also voided the final two years of his contract, making him a free agent after the 2025 season. Dugger quickly integrated into the Steelers' defense under head coach Mike Tomlin, practicing for the first time with the team on Thursday, October 31, before making his debut in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts on November 2. In that 27-20 victory, he logged 4 tackles (1 solo) while playing 45 defensive snaps, contributing to a unit that forced two turnovers and limited Indianapolis to 3.2 yards per carry on the ground. His performance earned high praise from Tomlin, who awarded him a game ball postgame for seamlessly adapting to the Steelers' aggressive, versatile defensive scheme despite having just three days to learn the playbook. Through 10 games in the 2025 season (seven starts: four with New England and three with Pittsburgh) as of November 19, 2025, Dugger has recorded 29 combined tackles (13 solo, 16 assisted), one interception, and two pass deflections, maintaining his role as a starting strong safety. A highlight came in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals on November 16, where Dugger recorded three tackles, two pass deflections, and a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown off quarterback Joe Flacco, helping secure a 34-12 victory. With the Steelers holding a 7-4 record and the top spot in the AFC North as of November 19, 2025, Dugger has already emerged as a vocal leader in the secondary, complementing All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick by handling run support and deep coverage responsibilities in Tomlin's system.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Kyle Dugger is in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Kaiann, whom he has been with since at least his time with the New England Patriots. The couple welcomed their first child, son Zairo Christian Dugger, in early December 2021; Zairo was born six weeks premature, weighing 6 pounds 8 ounces, and spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit. Dugger was unable to attend the birth due to a COVID-19 quarantine following a game, an experience he described as far from ideal, but he met Zairo after an eight-day isolation period. Dugger has emphasized fatherhood as his top priority, often crediting Zairo with providing motivation and perspective amid the demands of his NFL career; during offseasons, the family spends time in Charleston, South Carolina, near extended relatives, allowing Dugger to handle early-morning feedings and daily care for his son. In 2022, Zairo joined Dugger at Patriots training camp, offering a positive outlet during challenging practices. By 2023, Dugger continued to highlight family as central to his life off the field. Dugger maintains a low public profile regarding his personal relationships, with limited details shared beyond team-affiliated reports. He grew up in a basketball-oriented family in Decatur, Georgia, influenced by his mother, Kimberly Oates Dugger, a former college player inducted into the Fort Valley State Hall of Fame.

Community involvement

Dugger has engaged in various community initiatives through the New England Patriots organization since his rookie year in 2020. As a representative of the team, he has participated in hospital visits to support pediatric patients, including a notable appearance at Franciscan Children's Hospital in Boston during the 2024 offseason, where he interacted with children, discussed shared interests like sneakers, and donated toys, craft supplies, and blankets to enhance their experiences. In 2023, Dugger served as an ambassador for Fuel Up to Play 60, the NFL's campaign in partnership with the Dairy Council to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and wellness among elementary school students across the United States, emphasizing youth sports access and nutrition education. He also made a community appearance at a Defense Commissary Agency facility that year, connecting with military families as the son of a retired Marine, through the NFL's partnership with the agency. Dugger's involvement extended to educational support in 2025, when he joined teammate Mack Hollins and the Patriots Foundation to donate school supplies to Mattahunt Elementary School in Boston's Mattapan neighborhood, aiding students' preparation for the academic year and recognizing the school's staff for their efforts in improving student outcomes. These activities reflect his commitment to giving back to communities in Massachusetts, aligning with the Patriots' broader philanthropic goals.

References

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  67. https://www.patriots.com/news/mack-hollins-kyle-dugger-help-patriots-celebrate-staff-responsible-for-turnaround-of-mattahunt-elementary-school-in-boston
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