Sources tell ESPN that the New England Patriots and safety Kyle Dugger have agreed to a four-year, $58M contract extension. The Pats had placed a $13.8 million transition tag on Dugger last month, restricting his free agency. Dugger’s new deal features $32.5 million in guarantees and can be worth as much as $66 million with incentives.

Dugger was a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft and became a full-time starter midway through his rookie campaign, finishing with 64 tackles. In 2022, Dugger had become the first Patriots defender since 1970 to score three touchdowns in a season; and in 2023, he totaled a career-high 109 tackles while tying for the team lead with two interceptions. He played 98% of the defensive snaps, more than any defender, which was another reflection of his value to the team.

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