Steelers’ newest trade is already proving to be a brilliant front office move

The Pittsburgh Steelers only made one trade ahead of the deadline earlier this month, bringing in Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots to take over for the injured DeShon Elliott. Dugger quickly adapted to the Steelers’ defense, earning high praise in his first outing against the Colts two weeks ago.

After his showing in his third game with Pittsburgh, the trade looks like a stroke of genius from general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin. Dugger’s pairing with Jalen Ramsey at the safety spot has been a strong tandem, and on Sunday, it led to his first interception as a Steeler.

Dugger lurked into the middle of the field, stepping in front of a Joe Flacco pass intended for Tee Higgins, taking it back 74 yards for a touchdown, his third pick-six in his career.

Kyle Dugger delivers instant impact in Pittsburgh Steelers’ reshaped secondary

Dugger’s score couldn’t have come at a better time for Pittsburgh. The Steelers began the second half without quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who stayed in the locker room at halftime having suffered an apparent injury to his left arm. While Mason Rudolph led a scoring drive out of the locker room, Pittsburgh certainly needed some insurance to preserve its slim lead over Cincinnati.

Dugger provided it, making up for a missed opportunity to do the same in the first half.

Since coming over from New England, Dugger has been a key contributor in the defensive backfield for Pittsburgh, and his pick-six on Sunday to help give the Steelers a cushion on the scoreboard only solidified the importance of his addition to the roster.

It’s a welcome first impression through his first three weeks with the franchise. Dugger had begun to slip in coverage with New England, allowing a quarterback rating of 100+ in each of his last three seasons with the Patriots. Dugger hadn’t hauled in an interception since 2023.

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As a Steeler, Dugger has 12 tackles and counting, with his only two pass deflections coming against Cincinnati. According to Pro Football Reference, Dugger hasn’t allowed a reception in his coverage area yet in three games.

With Elliott likely missing the rest of the season, Dugger had to be a strong fit. So far, he’s proven to be just a bit more than that.