The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a hard time keeping their safeties healthy throughout training camp. Star veteran Antoine Winfield Jr. has missed time, and so has Christian Izien. Just recently, rookie J.J. Roberts sustained a season-ending injury, and the team signed undrafted rookie Will Brooks to help get through the rest of camp.
While Tampa Bay may have enough guys to make it through the final preseason game, the team may not have the right pieces to have a competent secondary when the regular season starts. Fortunately, there’s still time to change that, and the Buccaneers have the perfect opportunity to do so.
The New England Patriots have made it clear they are open to trading veteran safety Kyle Dugger. While Dugger has impressed since being selected in the second round of the 2020 Draft, a new regime for the Patriots has resulted in him having a reduced role this offseason. Now, New England is looking to part ways with him, and Tampa Bay can help with that.
Sources: The #Patriots have been open to trading S Kyle Dugger, whose role has been reduced this summer.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 20, 2025
Dugger is still viewed as a talented, impactful player and there are several teams where he’d be a much better scheme fit.
The contract will complicate any deal, and one… pic.twitter.com/qB73ZcZMoS
Buccaneers should explore a trade for Patriots’ safety Kyle Dugger
While many teams would love to add Dugger, the remaining three years of his four-year, $58 million contract will complicate things. The Buccaneers could afford to take on all of his contract, but the team would probably want New England to pay some of the remaining money to facilitate a deal.
The reason Dugger earned this extension is that he’s been an impact player since entering the league. In five seasons, he has played in 74 games, recording 424 tackles, 25 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, nine interceptions, two returned for a touchdown, 24 pass deflections, and three forced fumbles.
Dugger is a versatile defender and his skillset would be greatly appreciated on Tampa Bay’s defense. With the injuries the Buccaneers have seen at safety, they should absolutely call the Patriots about Dugger.