Bill Belichick: New England Patriots 'Absolutely' Won't Trade Veteran Safety

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick revealed in a recent interview his desire to see safety Kyle Dugger stay in Foxboro long-term.

With the playoffs all but out of the picture for the New England Patriots, as they are in the midst of their worst season in 23 years, it is largely expected that they will become "sellers" at Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. 

For players on expiring contracts like edge rusher Josh Uche, safety Kyle Dugger, and left tackle Trent Brown, their time in Foxboro could end soon. However, even with the Patriots sporting a 2-6 record with a roster with multiple starters coming up on expiring deals, there is still a sense that they won't want to sell the house. 

Despite the recent noise of potentially being on the trade block, Dugger is one of those players that the Patriots would like to keep. ... Or at least according to coach Bill Belichick.

“Yeah, of course. Sure. Absolutely,” Belichick recently said in an interview on WEEI's The Greg Hill Show about whether he'd like to keep the fourth-year safety. 

Since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Lenior-Rhyne, Dugger has become an impact player for the Patriots. While the Patriots roster lists the 27-year-old lists him as a "safety," it doesn't truly describe all that he is asked to do defensively.

Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) stiff arms Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (8) while running back an interception during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium.  / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Dugger has taken snaps at safety, linebacker, slot corner, and even outside corner. He is effectively a Swiss army knife.

Look no further than Sunday's game versus the Miami Dolphins for the type of impact Dugger can provide. 

“Kyle had some explosive plays in the game,” Belichick said. “Tackles for loss, interception, a good run after the interception. Played well in the kicking game. It was a solid effort.” 

Dugger finished the 31-17 loss to the Dolphins as the Patriots' leading tackler with nine, one for a loss, a sack, and an interception.

While Belichick and the Patriots admittingly want to keep the 27-year-old in Foxboro long-term, it will obviously depend on whether Dugger will wish to re-sign after a season that's proven to be nothing short of disastrous. 

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