The New England Patriots traded two former defensive starters, sending defensive end Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers and safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In return, the Patriots received 2026 sixth-round draft picks from both teams and sent 2026 seventh-round picks in each deal. The Patriots will also cover a portion of Dugger’s remaining $9.75 million salary. Both players had been starters under former coaches Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo but were backups under first-year coach Mike Vrabel.
Keion White Joins 49ers to Boost Pass Rush Amid Multiple Defensive Injuries
Keion White, a 2023 second-round pick, totaled five sacks in his second season with New England. His arrival comes at a crucial time for the injury-hit 49ers, who lost star defensive end Nick Bosa for the season and were further depleted by injuries to Bryce Huff, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Sam Okuayinonu. The team has struggled to generate a pass rush, ranking last in pressure percentage and 25th in pass-rush win rate, making White a strategic addition despite limited playtime in New England this season.
Keion White (NFL)White played in 16 games as a rookie and improved under Mayo in 2024, starting 13 games and recording 56 tackles, 5 sacks, and multiple quarterback pressures. His role diminished under Vrabel, with only 26% of defensive snaps this season, leading to his trade. He has one year remaining on his rookie deal with a base salary of $1.812 million for 2026. The 49ers may still make additional moves to reinforce their defensive line as injured players return.
Steelers Acquire Kyle Dugger to Strengthen Secondary After Elliott’s Knee Injury
Kyle Dugger, a 2020 second-round pick, signed a four-year, $58 million contract with the Patriots last year. He has started 69 games in his career, including four this season, and has nine interceptions. The Steelers acquired Dugger to replace starting safety DeShon Elliott, who hyperextended his knee, leaving a significant gap in run defense and coverage responsibilities. Dugger’s addition aims to stabilize the secondary and maintain defensive performance for the Steelers.
Elliott’s absence has forced the Steelers to adjust their secondary, particularly in defending tight ends. The team previously managed similar challenges by signing former Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers. Coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the need for multi-person contributions to compensate for Elliott’s loss, highlighting the importance of Dugger’s role in maintaining the team’s defensive structure.
