Patriots Trade Defensive Stars White to 49ers, Dugger to Steelers

The New England Patriots made significant roster changes on Tuesday night, trading defensive end Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers and safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers. These trades, confirmed by sources to ESPN, reflect the teams’ strategies to bolster their defensive line and secondary amidst ongoing injury challenges.

In a swift sequence, the Patriots sent White and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the 49ers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Simultaneously, they dealt Dugger along with another seventh-round pick to the Steelers for a sixth-round selection. These moves come as both teams navigate a critical juncture in the season, with the 49ers particularly impacted by injuries to their defensive roster.

49ers Seek Reinforcement in Defensive Line

The 49ers are in urgent need of defensive support following a series of injuries that have severely weakened their defensive line. Star defensive end Nick Bosa was placed on injured reserve for the season after suffering a torn right anterior cruciate ligament in Week 3. The team faced further setbacks when defensive ends Bryce Huff, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Sam Okuayinonu sustained injuries during their recent matchup against the Houston Texans.

With the 49ers ranking last in the NFL in pressure percentage at 21.3% and 25th in pass-rush win rate at 33.8%, the addition of White, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is seen as a critical reinforcement. White’s time in New England had been tumultuous; he was a healthy scratch in the Patriots’ recent victory over the Cleveland Browns and participated in only 26% of the team’s defensive snaps this season. His previous season included 26 tackles, one sack, and five quarterback hits across 16 games, demonstrating potential that the 49ers hope to unlock.

Dugger Joins Steelers Following Key Injury

On the other hand, the Steelers acquired Dugger, a second-round pick in 2020, to fill the gap left by starting strong safety DeShon Elliott, who hyperextended his knee during a loss to the Green Bay Packers. Dugger’s experience—having started 69 games with the Patriots—will be invaluable as the Steelers adapt their defensive strategy. Head Coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged Elliott’s significance, stating, “He is a central figure in our secondary in terms of run defense.”

Without Elliott, the Steelers struggled against tight end Tucker Kraft in the recent game, highlighting the necessity of Dugger’s skill set against upcoming challenges, including a match against the Indianapolis Colts. The Steelers previously sought to mitigate Elliott’s absence by signing former Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers, showcasing their proactive approach to maintaining defensive strength.

Both trades underline the ongoing adjustments teams must make as they progress through the season. With their respective needs and challenges, the Patriots, 49ers, and Steelers are poised for critical weeks ahead, as they seek to optimize their rosters for the remainder of the NFL season.