The New England Patriots could trade Super Bowl winner and safety Kyle Dugger in free agency. Jerod Mayo is ready to spend big to rebuild the New England Patriots in 2024 NFL free agency. He could start by replacing key player Kyle Dugger with Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl winner Antoine Winfield Jr.
This is the creation of CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin. Benjamin believes Winfield’s “hybrid range and consistent physicality will be a welcome addition to Mayo’s defense, especially with safety Kyle Dugger himself targeting free agency.”Winfield is also a free agent, and Benjamin noted that the Bucs must re-sign quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans.
Landing Winfield, who helped the Buccaneers win a Super Bowl after the 2020 season, would be a bit of a blow for Mayo. The latter should round out the roster after the Bill Belichick era ended with a 4-13 record. Since playing and coaching under Belichick, Mayo will continue to implement the same defensive scheme. Mayo also told WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” that he is “spending some money” to improve the talent.
Winfield would be a great investment in an expensive coaching system. Antoine Winfield Jr. is a good fit for the Patriots. Safety is a very important position in New England’s defense. He often has to play as a viable linebacker in the box or line up as a tight end in the slot. Winfield can handle both responsibilities.
According to PFF TB Buccaneers, the 25-year-old was not covered at times this season. According to Pro Football Reference, Winfield ultimately allowed 33 completions on 48 targets, but intercepted three passes and broke up 12 more. Those are the stats of a natural in coverage, but Winfield is more productive the closer he is of the line of play.
He proved it by cutting six pieces of wood and how many weapons he allowed himself to lose. One of Winfield’s best plays during the Air Raid was a forced fumble against Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. Winfield is flexible and productive enough to take on Dugger’s role in Mayo’s defense.
Kyle Dugger is interested in becoming a free agent Dugger appears to be cashing in after an impressive campaign that saw him improve across the board. According to Pro Football Reference, 23 started all 17 games and allowed just one touchdown.1.5 sacks and eight pressures also highlighted Dugger’s value in New England’s offensive scheme.
The 27-year-old enjoys complete safety as he has always been a force against the fly.WEEI.com’s Andy Hart told NBC Sports Boston that “Dugger’s contract is probably going in a direction that I don’t want to go.” Instead, NBCS Boston’s Phil Perry likes “Kyle Dugger, somewhat of a sound defensive end here. They consider him one of the best safeties in football.
“Should the Patriots prioritize Kyle Dugger in free agency? Perry also believes the presence of Jabrill Peppers and Marte Mapou could make Dugger “too expensive.”Ultimately, the Patriots aren’t short on cash, so Mayo’s position could be the deciding factor. According to Spotrac.com, the franchise’s salary cap is $70,056,052. Enough to snag Dugger and Winfield Jr.
For the combine, the Patriots have other pressing needs: quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line and pass rush. Many of these weaknesses could be addressed in the 2024 NFL Draft, particularly at quarterback. The Pats would be wise to use the 2020 third overall pick to secure the team’s first elite signal caller since Tom Brady left town. It also means a Super Bowl winner like Winfield Jr. Bolsters an already strong defense.
