Trade Kyle Dugger? New England Patriots Options if Top Safety Leaves

While the New England Patriots may have big shoes to fill if they are forced to trade starting safety Kyle Dugger, they do have viable options.

FOXBORO — With the on-field start of the new NFL year fast approaching, the New England Patriots may find themselves in need of a versatile presence at safety sooner than originally anticipated. 

Per a Sunday report from the Boston Herald, safety Kyle Dugger “remains dissatisfied” with the Pats’ decision to place the transition tag on him last month. As a result, the Lenoir-Rhyne product has yet to sign his contract.  

Since joining the team as a second-round (No. 37 overall) draft selection in 2020, Dugger has been one of the team’s most reliable defenders. The 27-year-old led all defensive backs last season with 109 total tackles, while also compiling seven passes-defensed, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks. His on-field prowess combined with his football acumen made him a “core player” which New England wished to retain. 

Per the terms of the tag, Dugger is set to earn $13.8 million this season, should he remain with the Patriots. If New England had opted to use the franchise tag on the veteran safety, he would have received a $17.1 million fully guaranteed salary for 2024. Unlike the non-exclusive franchise tag, the Patriots will not receive compensation if they do not match an offer from another team. As such, New England was hopeful to use the year ahead to work out a long-term deal. However, should Dugger’s heart remain hardened by New England’s business decision, the possibility of the team trading him prior to the start of the NFL Draft becomes more likely.

Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) stiff arms his opponent.

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Though it is yet unsafe to assume that Dugger’s days with the Patriots are numbered, the team has options to help fill an undoubtedly lasagne void alongside starting strong safety Jabrill Peppers. In that vein, here are three options for the Pats to consider in the coming days and weeks.

3. Sign External Free Agent Justin Simmons

Not only is Simmons the top free agent safety currently available on the open market, he is also one of the best centerfield safeties in the NFL. Having joined the Denver Broncos as their third-round (No. 98 overall) draft selection in 2016, the Boston College product has compiled four second-team All Pro selections, along with two Pro Bowl nods. Throughout his eight seasons in Mile High, Simmons has logged 604 total tackles, 30 interceptions (one of which was returned for a touchdown,) five forced fumbles and 4.5 sacks. 

Last season, he continued to play at a high level, earning 70 total tackles, two forced fumbles and three interceptions — one of which came in the fourth quarter of Denver’s Week 8 victory over quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The win ended the Broncos 16-game losing streak to Kansas City, while Simmons was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. Despite Dugger’s development into a solid presence in New England’s backfield, Simmons’ prowess could provide the Pats with a short-term upgrade at the position. 

2. Draft Javon Bullard, Georgia Bulldogs

Bullard earned 56 tackles, two interceptions and five passes defensed last year for the Bulldogs, despite battling through an ankle injury suffered in Sept. During his time in Athens, Bullard won two College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championships, while earning the CFP Defensive MVP award in Georgia’s 33-18 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2022. He also received second-team All-SEC honors in 2023.

The 5-11, 180-pound hybrid defensive back is a tough, physical player, with great instincts and field awareness. While he may need to add some bulk to an admittedly thin frame to be effective in the NFL, Bullard’s standout practice performances during the Senior Bowl earned him the honor of being selected “top deep safety,” as voted by his peers. He followed up his showcase in Mobile with a more-than-respectable showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds. Currently projected as a Day 2 selection, Bullard would require an investment of notable draft capital by New England. Still, for a safeties group which was among one of the best in the NFL last season, securing the ex-Georgia standout to help maintain such standards may be worth the price. 

1. Promote Marte Mapu

Despite the desire to upgrade externally, the Pats most likely course of action will be to promote from within. Accordingly, that means a positional switch for the hybrid linebacker/safety, Marte Mapu. 

Despite a slow start to his rookie season, Mapu’s role within the Pats defense steadily increased throughout the year. The 24-year-old demonstrated his versatility by lining up in various spots on the defensive side of the ball. Though he was officially listed as a linebacker by the Patriots, he played both an off-the-ball role next to linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, and the deep safety spot a few times as well. He finished the season with 18 total tackles, one forced fumble, a pass break-up, and his first career interception — ironically picking off Mahomes in the Pats Week 15 loss to the Chiefs. 

Having been selected in the third round (No. 76 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, Mapu’s time at Sacramento State provides a solid blueprint for his potential usage in New England. He aligned as a linebacker, cornerback and even took some reps at the nickel corner over his six-year college tenure. Mapu received a 77.2 grade in pass coverage and 85.9 grade in run defense in 2022 via Pro Football Focus. He logged 510 snaps in the slot and 249 snaps in the box. He also logged 56 snaps back deep and 49 snaps along the defensive line. Mapu’s versatility and upside should keep him in the mix for a prominent role in the upcoming season.