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Steelers Strengthen Secondary by Acquiring Veteran Safety from Patriots After Back-to-Back Losses

The Pittsburgh Steelers are wasting no time addressing their defensive struggles. Following two straight losses — including a 35–25 defeat to the Green Bay Packers — the team has officially traded for veteran safety from the New England Patriots.

According to ESPN, the Steelers sent a sixth-round pick and a seventh-round swap to the Patriots in exchange for Dugger, who was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The move comes as Pittsburgh places safety DeShon Elliott on injured reserve with a hyperextended knee suffered in Sunday’s loss.

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Kyle Dugger, 28, brings experience and versatility to a secondary that’s been inconsistent in recent weeks. He started 69 of 81 games for the Patriots and recorded over 400 total tackles, nine interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns. After signing a four-year, $58 million extension in 2024, Dugger had become one of New England’s defensive leaders before falling out of rotation under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

“I’m excited to be in Pittsburgh,” Dugger said. “This organization has always been known for its defense — tough, physical, disciplined. That’s how I play the game. I can’t wait to get out there with T.J. Watt and Minkah and help this defense get back to Steelers football.”

The Steelers’ secondary has been under fire after allowing 360 passing yards and three touchdowns to Jordan Love in Week 8. With Elliott sidelined and depth thin, Dugger’s arrival gives Pittsburgh an immediate upgrade in tackling, coverage, and leadership on the back end.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement that Dugger’s addition represents the kind of mentality Pittsburgh needs down the stretch. “He’s smart, experienced, and plays with the physicality we value,” Tomlin said.

Pittsburgh will look to rebound when they face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 — and for a team looking to rediscover its defensive identity, the arrival of Kyle Dugger could not have come at a better time.

Eagles Legend Wants to Withdraw from Eagles Hall of Fame If Kevin Patullo Isn't Fired
Can you believe it? A living legend of the Philadelphia Eagles, LeSean McCoy, is "rebelling" and threatening to withdraw from the Eagles Hall of Fame – the place that honors his great contributions! The reason? All because of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo! What's happening with this legendary team? Read now for the hottest NFL "drama"! On his Speakeasy show, McCoy "dropped a bomb" with a shocking statement: “Take me off. Nobody has ever asked. I’m going to say ‘Mr. Lurie, it’s either me or Kevin’. If Kevin is not fired, put 25 back out there on the street.” (Translation: "Remove me. No one has ever asked. I'm going to say 'Mr. Lurie, it's either me or Kevin'. If Kevin isn't fired, put number 25 back on the street.") Number 25 – McCoy's legendary jersey number – could be "kicked out" of the Hall of Fame if Patullo remains in position? This isn't a joke, but a direct challenge to team owner Jeffrey Lurie! This "extreme" demand stems from extreme disappointment with the disastrous performance of the Eagles' offense under Patullo. The team that once "soared high" is now "free-falling" with silly mistakes, and McCoy isn't the only one "furious." Even Josh Reynolds "cursed" Patullo: “Kevin Patullo should never see the light of day again for the crimes he’s committed…” (Translation: "Kevin Patullo should never see the light of day again for the crimes he’s committed...") Is Patullo the "culprit" causing the Eagles to "sink"? Look at the "tragedy" of quarterback Jalen Hurts: In the most recent Monday Night Football game, he threw three interceptions – one of which was blamed on AJ Brown! Comparing this year's offensive stats to last year? Worlds apart! The problem isn't just the weak offensive line, but also the play-caller – Patullo is "miserably compared" to Kellen Moore, who once elevated the offense to new heights. The article points out: The Eagles are repeating a "historical curse" – the offense always "collapses" after losing a good coordinator, like in previous Super Bowl runs. Nick Sirianni is heavily criticized for the decision to hire Patullo: "A fatal mistake"! 👀 Eagles legend LeSean McCoy says if #Eagles do not fire OC Kevin Patullo he wants out of Hall of Fame “Take me off. Nobody has ever asked. I’m going to say ‘Mr. Lurie, it’s either me or Kevin’. If Kevin is not fired, put 25 back out there on the street”📸 @speakeasytlkshw pic.twitter.com/DcOkLiQejA — Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) December 10, 2025 And the "darkest" data: In shotgun formation (51 plays), the Eagles only achieved 4.2 yards/play, 2.2 yards/rush, 5.2 yards/pass, with 4 "stupid" interceptions. But under center (15 plays)? Explosive with 10.2 yards/play, 8.8 yards/rush, 16.0 yards/pass, and 0 interceptions! Clearly, the offense performs "miraculously" better when balanced – so why is Patullo still "stubbornly persisting" with the outdated play style? Eagles fans are "boiling with rage": Will the team listen to McCoy and "deal with" Patullo to save the season? This drama is "exploding" on social media! McCoy – with his illustrious career at the Eagles – is he really withdrawing from the Hall of Fame? Or is this a "ploy" to push for change? Who will Jeffrey Lurie choose: The legend or the "culprit"? Don't miss out – follow now to see the "shocking" outcome of the Eagles' internal war! What do you think, comment below!