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.

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.

Trade: New England is sending safety Kyle Dugger and a 7th-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 6th-round pick, per sources.

This is New England’s second trade today. It also sent edge Keion White and a 7th-round pick to the 49ers for a 6th-round pick. pic.twitter.com/gCxRkMq0Lp

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2025

“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.