The 2nd half of the Steelers loss to Green Bay was a miserable affair. But credit Cris Collinsworth for working in a laugh. At some point during Jordan Love’s 20 consecutive passing streak, Collinsworth floated the idea that the Steelers might trade for a wide receiver.
- My immediate reaction: “Wide receiver? What about defensive back?”
Omar Khan agrees apparently, as the Steelers have traded with the New England Patriots for safety Kyle Dugger. The Steelers will send a 6th round pick to New England and get a 7th rounder along with Dugger in back.
With DeShon Elliott injured and out for an indefinite period of time, the Steelers secondary is reeling.
The defense struggled mightily without Elliott in the season’s first three weeks, and the wheels came off of what had been a solid first-half defensive effort against the Packers as soon as they lost Elliott.
How much Dugger can contribute remains to be seen, but the stark reality is that the Steelers need bodies in the secondary, with Miles Killebrew, already on IR (not that you’d really want to see Killebrew suiting up at safety.)
Kyle Dugger tackles Pat Freiermuth. Photo Credit: Seth Wickerstien, Steelers.com
Kyle Dugger @ a Glance
The New England Patriots drafted Kyle Dugger in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL Draft (12 picks before the Steelers too Chase Claypool) and Dugger appeared in 14 games as a rookie, starting 7 and then earned the starting role in 2021.
Dugger started though the 2024 season, hauling in 9 interceptions, 2 pick sixes, 24 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 3.5 sacks.
Like fellow Patriot safety cast-off Jabril Peppers, the word is that Dugger wasn’t a good fit for Mike Vrabel’s scheme. The Patriots have been looking to unload him since this summer given his salary.
Can Dugger Really Help?
Judging by his resume, Dugger appears to be “starter capable.” But given that New England only asked for a 6th and threw in a 7th it is fair to ask why the Patriots were so eager to part with him.
- The Steelers success rate with trades made in training camp or during the season is mixed at best.
Levi Brown ever saw the field, nor did William Jackson. Felix Jones, Avery Williamson and Brandon Boykin were duds. Justin Gilbert was a good guy to take a flyer on, but thank God they only gave up a 6th for him instead of taking him in he first, as some thought they would.
- There’s Nick Vannett, and Mike Williams.
The Steelers traded for Vannett in the middle of the 2019 season, started him immediately and he helped convert a critical 3rd down in his first game. And that was almost the last time we heard his name.
Mike Williams arrived in Pittsburgh in at the trade deadline last year, and entered the game against the Commanders making the go ahead catch. After that Williams sightings were scarce, even after George Pickens went down with injury.
- To be fair, both the trade for Vance McDonald and Minkah Fitzpatrick delivered dividends
With all that said, the Steelers needed to add someone, and they’ve brought in someone with 69 starts to his name.
Trice Practices, Steelers Make Other Moves
Cornerback Cory Trice who has been on injured reserve since the summer, has returned to practice. He remains on IR but could be activated as early as this week.
Trice missed his rookie season due to injury, and missed the first 11 games of 2024 on injured reserve as well.
Whether he can stay healthy is a critical question for the Steelers.
- But if he can, he’ll be a welcome addition to a secondary screaming for a shot in the arm.
The Steelers have also signed veteran wide out Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad and will welcome back 2024 undrafted rookie free agent wide out-QB John Rhys Plumlee.
Finally, the Steelers added Jack Driscoll and Darrick Forrest to the practice squad.
