The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has been struggling lately, allowing 68 points and 924 yards over the last two games combined. The secondary has been especially bad, surrendering six passing touchdowns and 688 passing yards during those contests, both of which the Steelers lost.
After losing safety DeShon Elliott to the injured reserve with a knee injury this week, Pittsburgh bolstered its reeling defense by trading for New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger on Tuesday.
The Steelers, who sent the Patriots a sixth-round pick in return, are also getting a seventh-round pick, making the trade especially lopsided in their favor.
Dugger, 29, was the 37th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Originally drafted by Bill Belichick, he appeared in 81 games over six seasons with New England, making 69 starts.
A lynchpin of the Patriots’ defense for years, Dugger recorded nine interceptions, two fumble recoveries, 3.5 sacks and 441 tackles during his New England tenure.
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Dugger lost his starting job this season under new head coach Mike Vrabel, however, playing a career-low 44 percent of defensive snaps after topping 90 percent in each of the last two seasons. His performance has declined a bit recently, particularly in pass coverage, so the Patriots were willing to move on.
Pittsburgh is hoping that a change of scenery and a new opportunity can give the veteran defender a boost. The Steelers need him this week as they prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts, who have the best record and offense in the NFL.
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