Patriots Football Daily: Kyle Dugger Remains Unsigned

NFL franchises use the transition tag on potential free agents very rarely. As was written here when Kyle Dugger received the designation from the New England Patriots last month:

“Transition tags are rarely used and are not popular among players. Despite being able to negotiate, their market can suffer with other teams knowing any offer is likely to be matched. Thus, it appears working out a longterm deal prior to free agency would still be in the Patriots best interests.”

No deal was worked out before the start of free agency. Dugger remains unsigned as of today. Yesterday, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reported that Kyle Dugger is ‘dissatisfied’ with the Patriots. This could lead to a trade, though a Day 3 draft pick is the likely return for Dugger.

The Green Bay Packers signed safety Xavier McKinney to a four-year deal worth up to $68 million in free agency. Dugger signing the transition tag would be worth $13,815,000 on a one-year deal. There are still quality safeties available on the free agent market, such as the Broncos’ Justin Simmons and the Colts’ Julian Blackmon.

Kyle Dugger led the New England Patriots in defensive snaps and solo tackles in 2023. New England selected him in the second round (No. 37) of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Patriots have Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Joshuah Bledsoe as safeties currently under contract with the team. Figuring out the plan for Dugger, whether signing or trading him, is a top priority while there are still quality safeties on the market, and certainly before the NFL Draft later this month.

Also in today’s Patriots Football Daily…

New England Patriots

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Patriots Football Now – Ranking the Top 20 Quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft

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AFC East News

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ESPN – Dolphins restructure deal with RB Raheem Mostert

NFL.com – Eagles sending pass rusher Hasson Reddick to Jets

NFL News

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Yardbarker – Police searching for Chiefs WR Rashee Rice following car accident

ESPN – Why the Eagles don’t think they overspent on Saquon Barkley

Patriots Football Now – Introducing the Back Kicker to the NFL

Boston Bruins

Go to our sibling site Boston Hockey Now to check out the great Boston Bruins coverage from Jimmy Murphy and the BHN team. The NHL season is underway and plenty is happening in the Bruins 100 Anniversary season.

Boston Hockey Now – Canadiens help Bruins clinch playoff spot

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Football Fun Fact of the Day

If Kyle Dugger plays one more season he will become the first player from Lenoir-Rhyne to play five NFL seasons. He is currently tied with former Seahawks and Dolphins RB Don Testerman with four.

Post of the Day

Today’s post is from Taylor Kyles, to help celebrate Joe Giles-Harris’ birthday (he’s 27)…

Joe Giles-Harris flew under the radar this season, but he had some good reps against the Titans

Play recognition stood out pic.twitter.com/ZGsQe4ufXo

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) August 30, 2023