The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots struck a shocking deal ahead of the NFL trade deadline — a shocking move that strengthened an injury-ridden Pittsburgh secondary with a former second-round standout in S Kyle Dugger.
Before we get into grading each team’s trade haul, here’s a look at the compensation package from the exciting acquisition.
Steelers receive:
S Kyle Dugger2026 seventh-round pick
Patriots receive:
Steelers grade:
For Pittsburgh, the trade addressed a major need following DeShon Elliott’s injury — landing an ideal scheme fit without sacrificing premium draft capital. The move gives Pittsburgh a cornerstone at the strong safety position in the short term — the first step toward addressing what’s been a disappointing secondary and overall defense this season. Grade: A
Patriots grade:
While Dugger was deemed expendable after the Mike Vrabel regime in New England decided he didn’t quite fit their scheme, trading away a starting-caliber safety for little more than a late-round pick swap is far from a slam-dunk move. In less than two months, the Patriots have now cut ties with both Dugger and S Jabrill Peppers — their two former starters in the New England secondary — who both found their way, via different paths, into Pittsburgh. Leaving the Patriots strapped at safety while leading the AFC East makes little sense, but the new coaching staff clearly has a different vision than everyone else expected. Grade: B-
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