Patriots’ Kyle Dugger Eyeing Free Agency Departure?

New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger has taken a significant step toward his first journey into free agency. Will it lead him further away from Foxboro?

New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger is considered one of the team’s top free agent priorities heading into 2024.

Accordingly, the 27-year-old will bring some added wisdom and counsel to his first round of pro football contract negotiations, set to commence in the coming weeks.

Dugger, as confirmed by a Tuesday social media posting, will now be represented by 1 of 1 Agency. The firm presently retains Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones as a client, as well as former Pats Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon and Jason McCourty — all of which agreed to contract extensions with New England during their time with the agency. Dugger had been repped by Athletes First since joining the NFL in 2020.

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“We’re extremely proud to introduce 1 of 1 Agency’s newest client, Kyle Dugger,” wrote sports agent Wesley Spencer.

Abundantly praised for his versatility, Dugger has been heralded as a potential future star of the Patriots’ defensive backfield since being drafted in the second round (no. 37 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft. He led all defensive backs with 109 total tackles, while also compiling seven passes-defensed, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks. The Lenoir-Rhyne product brings an excellent blend of speed, length, size to New England’s defensive backfield — both big nickel (five defensive backs) and dime (six defensive backs) defensive packages. At his best, he is able to cover a lot of ground and has the tools to match up with tight ends and backfield receivers in coverage. Dugger is also a good tackler, capable of making stops in key situations.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his progress throughout his first three seasons was his demonstration of strong football acumen. He showed great instincts and exhibited a deep understanding of the playbook. As such, it comes as no surprise that the Patriots would prefer to keep the talented defensive back in the Foxboro fold for many years to come.

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Whether Dugger’s change in representation makes his remaining with the Patriots more or less likely will be learned in short order. 

The league’s 2024 free agency period is set to begin on March 13.

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