While the Steelers decided not to make any trades before the deadline passed this week, they did make one move before that deserves to be critiqued. For those of you who don’t know, Kyle Dugger and a seventh-round pick were traded to the Steelers in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
It seemed like a low-risk, low-reward type of deal. Dugger had been a backup this season for the most part with the Patriots and hadn’t been the same player since he signed his extension a few years ago.
Now, just one game after the trade, the Steelers are already looking like geniuses. Dugger had a solid first game for the team, and if things continue upwards, he could even regain his previous form.
The Pittsburgh Steelers got a steal for a good starter in Kyle Dugger
If the draft compensation alone wasn’t enough, the Steelers also had the Patriots eat the majority of his cost for the year. Essentially, he is playing on a veteran benefit deal for the Steelers in exchange for moving down 20-30 spots at the very end of the draft.
That is stealing in the NFL.
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Now let’s not go overboard here. While Dugger was solid in his first start, he also didn’t light the world on fire. That said, for only having been here for a few days, he played instinctively and was a good running mate next to Jalen Ramsey.
He did so well that he is now listed as the starter on the depth chart. All of this despite being behind players that have been here longer and also have starting experience league-wide.
While it would be surprising to see Dugger reclaim his prime level of success, it isn’t hard to imagine him having a top-25 season at safety. His physicality and run defense pair well with Ramsey’s versatility.
I wouldn’t even be shocked if he plays well enough to earn another deal with the Steelers and serve as the third safety next year. He should only improve as he becomes more comfortable in this scheme, and the team appears to know how to utilize him effectively.
If the solid first game wasn’t enough, becoming the official starter after being with the team for roughly a week is telling. Considering you traded next to nothing to acquire him, the Steelers certainly feel like massive winners from this deal.