Tag: Kyle Dugger contract

Here’s what a Kyle Dugger extension could look like

Kyle Dugger could play himself into a big extension sooner rather than later.

Not everyone was a fan of Kyle Dugger being taken in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft. Drafting a Division II safety that high seemed like a puzzling choice, especially after years of lackluster drafts by the New England Patriots.

There were some scars there for fans.

Fast forward over two years later, and Dugger has emerged as one of the best young safeties in the NFL. He’s the Patriots’ best playmaker, and he does a lot of things that don’t necessarily show up on the stat sheet.

He carries a career PFF grade of 70.7 defensively with a 69.7 grade against the run and 69.1 in coverage. Since coming to New England, he has notched 168 tackles, seven interceptions and five pass break-ups.

Dugger carries a $2.6 million cap hit for 2023 and could be in line for an extension that is valued in the range of contracts for players like Quandre Diggs, Marcus Williams, Kevin Byard, Eddie Jackson, and Budda Baker.

His contract could be outside the top-five highest paid safeties and could look like a steal as the new cap numbers roll out.

 

Estimated Contract: 4 years $60m, $30m guaranteed. Signed through 2027.

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The Morning After: Fate is in the Patriots’ hands again

Leftover notes from the Patriots’ big win over the Dolphins on Sunday.

The New England Patriots control their playoff hopes and dreams yet again as their 23-21 victory over the Miami Dolphins awarded them possession of the seventh and final AFC playoff spot for 2022.

The Patriots will need to beat the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, however, if they wish to guarantee a spot in the playoffs. But they could also sneak in with a loss, if some other scenarios shake out.

The Patriots’ season has been up and down for the majority of the year, and the issues have stemmed from the offensive play-calling and lack of efficiency.

In the game against the Dolphins, the Patriots defense managed to slow down Miami’s top weapons, Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, to just seven catches and 107 yards combined with a depleted secondary.

Mac Jones was good, again, despite some play-calling issues. He went 20-of-33 throwing for 203 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. The Patriots offensive line managed to keep Jones protected, while the receivers benefitted from a depleted Dolphins secondary with more spacing than normal.