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Photos: Gronk Playground opens on the Esplanade
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Julian Edelman believes this Patriots rookie could be steal of the draft
The Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan reports that the Patriots have made two seasoned defensive players available for trade.
According to reports, the team has spoken with at least one other team about transferring safety Kyle Dugger, who inked a four-year, $58 million contract deal last April.
Anfernee Jennings, a linebacker who finished fourth on the team in tackles (78) the previous season, is also allegedly willing to relocating.
Last Saturday’s preseason victory over Minnesota featured both players playing well into the second half.
On the game’s last play, Dugger intercepted the ball. In preseason games, veterans like him usually don’t play in the fourth quarter.
Competing against Vikings non-starters, Jennings recorded three sacks throughout the game, all of which occurred in the second half.
In practice, Dugger’s descent down the depth chart has also been noticeable. Alongside Jabrill Peppers, rookie Craig Woodson and seasoned Jaylinn Hawkins have alternated with the first team in practice.
After recovering from a severe ankle injury during the offseason, Dugger appears to have lost a step, according to The Herald. In 2023, Dugger participated in all 17 games and recorded 1.5 sacks, 109 tackles, and two interceptions. Last season, he missed four games, which caused his numbers to drastically decline.
Last season, Jennings recorded 78 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, his greatest season to date. He has been a valuable edge setter on the Patriots’ run defense, but it’s unclear if he’ll fit in with their scheme now that the coaching staff has changed.
The 27-year-old Jennings signed a three-year, $12 million contract last year, with two years remaining.
Both players were chosen by the Patriots in the 2020 draft during the tenure of head coach Bill Belichick. Out of Division II Lenoir Rhyne, they selected Dugger in the second round. Out of Alabama, they selected Jennings in the third round.
The only remaining members of that draft class on the team are offensive guard Mike Onwenu, Dugger, and Jennings.
According to Callahan, Dugger’s contract is anticipated to be a barrier in trade negotiations. According to Overthecap.com, he is the eleventh highest paid safety in the league. According to Spotrac, removing Dugger would result in a dead-cap amount of $23.25 million over two seasons.
Given that Jennings’ dead-cap amount would be $3.35 million over the following two seasons, the financial punishment for cutting him would be less severe than Dugger’s.
By next Tuesday at 4 p.m., the Patriots have to reduce their roster to 53 players. They still have a few workouts left before they must make cuts, and they play the Giants on Thursday night in the preseason.
Boston.com’s Khari Thompson reports on professional sports. Khari worked as a college football reporter for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Mississippi, prior to joining the team in 2022.
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