Overview
- New England sent Keion White and a 2026 seventh-round pick to San Francisco for a 2026 sixth, and dealt Kyle Dugger and a 2026 seventh to Pittsburgh for a 2026 sixth.
- Both veterans had seen reduced roles in Vrabel’s new defense, with White a recent healthy inactive, while the 49ers seek pass-rush help and the Steelers reunite Dugger with Jabrill Peppers.
- The trades generate modest cap flexibility, including roughly $810,000 in 2025 savings on White and additional 2026 relief, with Dugger’s retained-salary details not yet specified.
- The departures thin the Patriots’ depth at edge and safety, elevating roles for Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder and Caleb Murphy outside and for Dell Pettus alongside newly signed John Saunders Jr. at safety.
- Holding 10 picks in the 2026 draft—now four in the sixth round—New England is expected by analysts to explore short-term help before the deadline, with defensive back, edge rusher or running back mentioned.