The New England Patriots are paying most of the salary for strong safety Kyle Dugger this season, even after his trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to a report by NFL Network , the Patriots are paying most of the remainder of his $9.75 million salary and $1 million in per-game roster bonuses while Dugger plays for the Steelers.
Additionally, the 2026 and 2027 seasons have been removed from Dugger's contract, making him a free agent at the end of this season.
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 7, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Dugger was set to earn a base salary of $9.75 million and $1 million in per-game roster bonuses this season. He had earned $4.33 million in salary and $444,444 in roster bonus so far, so the Patriots will be picking up most of the additional $6 million he was owed this season.
Dugger was set to earn $10.75 million in salary in 2026 and $11.75 million in 2027, but those years have been wiped from his contract as part of the trade.
The Steelers sent a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to New England , with the Patriots trading a 2026 seventh-round selection back to Pittsburgh. The Steelers have their own sixth-round pick and are also projected to earn a sixth-round compensatory pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Steelers had about $20 million in salary cap space entering the week, according to the NFLPA .
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Patriots Paying Most of Kyle Dugger's Salary after Trade to Steelers
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