Former New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Dugger was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in October last year. The Patriots shipped the veteran safety and a seventh-round draft pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Dugger recorded 42 tackles, five pass deflections and two interceptions with the Steelers.
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That included an interception that was returned 73 yards for a touchdown against the Bengals in Week 11.
Cincinnati has been looking for ways to strengthen its defense, and the arrival of Dugger will give the team a veteran defensive back and a former team captain with 78 starts under his belt to help lead the unit.
The Patriots gave Dugger his first big break, drafting him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
He played well for New England during his tenure, recording 441 total tackles, three forced fumbles, 25 pass deflections, 3.5 sacks, and nine interceptions. The Patriots are expected to head into the 2026 season with Craig Woodson and First-Team All-Pro defensive back Kevin Byard as their top safeties.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Former Patriots team captain reportedly signing with AFC North team