The New England Patriots are using the offseason to rebuild the roster after the past few seasons resulted in disappointing finishes.
The Patriots hit reset at the head coaching position by parting ways with Bill Belichick and promoting Jerod Mayo, but the roster was also in need of a reboot.
New England is years away from competing in the playoffs, but the team made sure to keep some of its promising young players for the short term.
One name that fans were monitoring is Kyle Dugger, the promising safety the team drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Dugger was up for an extension and after the initial wave of free agency passed, the Patriots re-signed him to a four-year, $66 million deal with $32.5 million guaranteed.
After the contract details were made public, teammates like Kendrick Bourne congratulated Dugger.
“Let’s get it!!! Congrats brudda u deserve it!!! That hard work been put in!” Bourne tweeted.
Let’s get it!!! Congrats brudda u deserve it!!! That hard work been put in! https://t.co/lYsfSsGS7B
— Kendrick Bourne Poly (@BournePoly11) April 7, 2024
New England placed the transition tag earlier this offseason on Dugger, which was worth about $13.8 million.
However, Dugger’s new deal is worth $14.5 million annually, giving him a slight raise on the tag and ensuring he stays with the Patriots for the next few years.
Dugger is a great run defender who can struggle at times in pass coverage, but he’s a versatile piece for the secondary.
The safety has played 61 career games and has compiled 343 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pick-sixes on nine interceptions.
Dugger is an underrated player at the safety position and should be a leader for the group going forward.
The post Kendrick Bourne Reacts To Kyle Dugger’s New Deal appeared first on The Cold Wire.