Patriots Trade White, Dugger in Major Roster Shake-Up

The New England Patriots made significant roster moves Tuesday night, trading away two former defensive starters—defensive end Keion White and safety Kyle Dugger—in separate deals that mark another step in the team’s transition under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel. Both trades involved late-round pick swaps and offered the players fresh starts elsewhere, as New England continues to retool its roster following years under Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo.

The Patriots sent White to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 sixth-round pick while also parting with a 2026 seventh-rounder. Meanwhile, they shipped Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a similar package, receiving a 2026 sixth-round pick and sending out another seventh-round selection. According to ESPN, New England will also help cover part of Dugger’s remaining $9.75 million salary.

Keion White Joins a Banged-Up 49ers Defense

White, a 2023 second-round pick and former All-ACC selection from Georgia Tech, heads to San Francisco at a critical time for a 49ers defense decimated by injuries. With Nick Bosa out for the season and multiple pass rushers—including Bryce Huff, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Sam Okuayinonu—dealing with ailments, the Niners rank last in pressure percentage (21.3%) and 25th in pass-rush win rate (33.8%).

White had fallen out of favor in New England, appearing in just 26% of defensive snaps this season before being a healthy scratch against Cleveland. Still, he flashed potential in 2024 with 56 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles, proving capable of producing when given consistent playing time.

San Francisco hopes his athleticism and power can spark a stagnant pass rush. White remains under contract through 2026, earning a base salary of $1.812 million next season.

Kyle Dugger Brings Reinforcement to Pittsburgh’s Secondary

In Pittsburgh, Kyle Dugger offers an immediate upgrade for a defense struggling to contain opposing quarterbacks. The Steelers lost starting safety DeShon Elliott to a hyperextended knee in their loss to Green Bay, prompting the move for Dugger, who has started 69 career games since being drafted by New England in 2020.

Dugger signed a four-year, $58 million deal in 2024 after initially receiving the transition tag, but under Vrabel, his role diminished as the team shifted its defensive philosophy. This season, he has 17 combined tackles through seven games but missed Week 8 due to a knee injury.

Pittsburgh’s pass defense has faltered recently, surrendering 688 yards and six touchdowns over its last two games. The addition of Dugger—and the signing of safety Darrick Forrest to the practice squad—signals a renewed effort by coach Mike Tomlin to stabilize the secondary heading into a pivotal Week 9 matchup with Indianapolis.

A Sign of Change in Foxborough

The back-to-back trades underscore Vrabel’s determination to reshape the Patriots’ identity around his own system. Once key defensive contributors under Belichick and Mayo, White and Dugger found themselves relegated to backup roles in 2025. Now, both head to organizations with clearer needs—and perhaps better fits—for their skill sets.

With the Patriots sitting atop the AFC East at 6–2, these moves suggest confidence in the current roster and a willingness to build for the future.