Patriots Rumors: Kyle Dugger to Get $13.8M Transition Tag Ahead of NFL Free Agency

The New England Patriots are using the franchise tag for the first time since 2020.

Veteran safety Kyle Dugger has received the $13.8 million transition tag from the Patriots for 2024, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Had the team used the franchise tag, it would have put Dugger in line to make $17.1 million next season.

As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted, New England will have the chance to match any offer Dugger may receive in free agency:

NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry also noted in February that new head coach Jerod Mayo "loves" Dugger, so it's no surprise he wanted to keep him around.

Dugger was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2020 draft out of Division II program Lenoir-Rhyne. As a former Division II player, he has exceeded expectations at the NFL level.

The veteran safety is coming off a solid 2023 campaign in which he posted two interceptions, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble, 1.5 sacks, 109 tackles, six tackles for loss and five quarterbacks hits in 17 games for a Patriots squad that struggled all year and finished 4-13.

Dugger also had an impressive 2022 campaign despite New England's woes, posting three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, eight pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one sack and 78 tackles in 15 games.

In 61 games across his four seasons, he recorded nine interceptions, 20 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 2.5 sacks, 343 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits.