New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger finds himself battling for a starting job in 2025.
Despite being a starter since midway through his rookie season in 2020 and signing a four-year, $58 million contract last spring, Dugger has unexpectedly been taking reps with the backups during training camp.
This shift emphasizes that new coach Mike Vrabel is charting his own course and not tied to decisions from previous staffs. On Wednesday, Vrabel was asked what Dugger needs to do to regain his starting role.
"Just making sure that he's where he needs to be and understanding the coverage concepts and everything we do," the coach responded, via Boston.com. "Keep working and keep progressing. A lot of this is that guys have earned the right to take a look with that first unit and, again, there will be different lineups and different things. Just focus on the reps that you get right now."
The 29-year-old holdover from the Bill Belichick era struggled last year playing through injury and is coming off offseason ankle surgery. Vrabel noted Dugger's positive attitude despite the demotion, but acknowledged he's simply been outplayed by other safeties at this stage.
"He's had a long recovery in the offseason," Vrabel said. "He's been out there, and he's continued to get better and work, and I think the more that he practices, the better he's going to feel and the more that it's going to translate onto the football field."
The Patriots have options at safety. Jaylinn Hawkins has pushed for the starting spot opposite Jabrill Peppers, while rookie Craig Woodson has also been given a shot with the first team.
A veteran like Dugger fighting to hold on to his starting job often happens when new coaches take over. The staff will determine whether he fits the plans for its revamped defense over the coming weeks. Given the demotion, Dugger could be a trade or cut candidate during roster cutdowns, even if the Patriots would eat a lot of dead money on his contract.
