Patriots' Kyle Dugger, Anfernee Jennings Reportedly on Trade Block Before Roster Cuts

NFL roster cuts are quickly approaching as the preseason comes to an end later this week, and the New England Patriots are reportedly trying to unload a pair of defensive veterans.

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reported that Patriots safety Kyle Dugger and linebacker Anfernee Jennings are "known to be available for trade."

Callahan explained that sources said the Patriots' front office "has long been willing to take offers" on both Dugger and Jennings, with Dugger's name coming up "in talks with at least one team." Both players were 2020 draft picks by New England, making them two of the longest-tenured players on a young squad.

Unfortunately, Dugger and Jennings no longer seem to be the right fit for the Patriots as they usher in a new era under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel. Callahan noted that Dugger "tumbled down the depth chart" and was replaced in the starting lineup by 2025 fourth-round pick Craig Woodson. The 29-year-old safety reportedly "appears to have lost a step, following a high ankle sprain he suffered and played on for three months last season."

A source told Callahan that Jennings' name "was raised in exploratory discussions earlier this summer," but he improved his standing with the team by performing well in practice and the preseason. While he recorded three sacks in Saturday's preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, Callahan reported that he's "been cast as a questionable scheme fit in coach Mike Vrabel's new, attacking style of defense."

Earlier this week, Patriots vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said the team has engaged in trade discussions with every other NFL squad as it seeks the right deal.

"We're talking to all 31 teams and trying to do what's best for us. I think those things are often a lot more complicated than the fans and some others would like to make you believe," Wolf said, per Callahan. "But if there is something we think can help us, we'd definitely be open to it."

It sounds like Dugger and Jennings have been deemed expendable, so it can be expected that the Patriots will be active in the trade market before the NFL's 53-man roster deadline on Aug. 26.