The Patriots are open to trading veteran defenders Kyle Dugger and Anfernee Jennings, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
Dugger, a five-year veteran with 65 career starts, has seen a role reduction under new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams. The Patriots just signed the 29-year-old safety to a four-year, $58MM extension last April, but this offseason’s regime change seems to have him on the outside of the roster bubble looking in.
Dugger’s contract – which includes $9.75MM of guaranteed money due this season, per OverTheCap – will be a major obstacle to a deal, per Howe and FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz. This close to the season, teams either don’t have the cap space or desire to absorb that much money, so the Patriots would likely need to eat some of Dugger’s 2025 salary to facilitate a deal.
Jennings, meanwhile, has impressed in the preseason with three sacks and and a 16.2% pass rush win rate, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), stirring up some interest around the league. His contract would be easier to move; an acquiring team would take on $4.3MM in 2025 ($1.35MM guaranteed) with essentially a $4MM team option for 2026, per OverTheCap. The Patriots, meanwhile, would only have to absorb $1MM in dead cap charges in 2025 and 2026.
The Patriots have the defensive depth to withstand the loss of either player. Fifth-year safety Jaylinn Hawkins has been taking first-team reps alongside Jabrill Peppers with fourth-round rookie Craig Woodson mixing in as well. At outside linebacker, veteran Harold Landry and 2023 second-rounder Keion White are poised to start with former first-rounder K’Lavon Chaisson and fifth-round rookie Bradyn Swinson providing depth.