Kyle Dugger 'Thankful' For Bengals Opportunity After 'Rough' NFL Stretch

Kyle Dugger is the newest member of the Bengals' defense after signing a fresh one-year deal on Thursday. The former Patriot and Steelers Swiss-Army Knife can play a bunch of different roles on the backend and is excited to get rolling on a new phase of his career after spending last season in Pittsburgh, following a midseason trade from New England.

Dugger could be a decent depth piece at multiple spots after playing 775 snaps last season (270 in the box, 67 at slot corner, 418 at free safety). He will play plenty of snaps on special teams, too (116 ST snaps last season).

He spoke about his excitement with Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson after appearing in 90 games since getting drafted in 2020.

Fresh Start

Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) intercepts the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

"Fresh start and a new opportunity. I'm excited for it," Dugger said to Hobson. "It's been a rough two years. I'm thankful where I am."

Dugger has totaled 454 tackles, 27 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 29 pass breakups, 11 INTs, three forced fumbles, and 29 tackles specifically just on special teams in his career.

He has a ton to bring to the Bengals as he plays with the best offensive roster he's had in his NFL timeline. There's one semi-reunion for Dugger, who played one season with Bengals starting center Ted Karras in New England.

"Just the feel. Coming into the facility. Even the city. Very peaceful, very chill. Kind of that worker's vibe, which I really like," Dugger said. "And the facility was plenty. It was a lot, and the overall fit as well ... Their offense is the first thing that comes to mind. Joe Burrow and I were in the same draft class, and I've seen the things he's done. He's one of the best quarterbacks I've played against, and their offense is one of the, if not the most talented in the league."

Dugger hasn't posted a Pro Football Focus grade above 50 in the past two seasons, whether that's due to poor fit or health issues, Dugger has a chance to really turn things around this fall.

Check out the full comments from Hobson's piece here.

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