Three days before the NFL trade deadline, trade rumors are heating up, particularly regarding the New England Patriots and several players they might be willing to trade.
One surprising name on the list is safety Kyle Dugger. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Patriots are considering moving Dugger along with three other players.
The San Francisco 49ers are actively seeking to bolster their defense and are aware that New England defensive tackle Davon Godchaux is available. Additionally, the Patriots may also trade wide receivers Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne, alongside Dugger.
Dugger, 28, was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2020 draft.
Since then, he has participated in 59 regular season and playoff games and was named a replacement team captain this season. He recently signed a four-year, $58 million contract extension, solidifying his role as a key player in the Patriots’ defense.
Trading Dugger would be unexpected given his significance both on the field and in the locker room, especially considering the uncertain status of fellow starting safety Jabrill Peppers, who is on the commissioner’s exempt list following an arrest in October.
In contrast, trading Godchaux, Thornton, or Bourne would be less surprising, as they have all been identified as potential trade candidates.
Of these, Thornton seems the most likely to be dealt; he is currently a depth receiver and recently missed two games as a healthy scratch. Unlike Bourne or Godchaux, who are established starters and leaders, Thornton’s place on the team has been uncertain since losing his starting position early in the season.
