Patriots Trade White to 49ers, Send Dugger to Steelers
The New England Patriots have made significant changes to their roster by trading two defensive starters. Defensive end Keion White has been sent to the San Francisco 49ers, while safety Kyle Dugger will join the Pittsburgh Steelers. These trades took place on October 28, 2025, and are expected to impact both teams as they navigate their current seasons.
Details of the Trades
The Patriots received valuable draft picks in exchange for both players. Here’s a summary:
- Keion White to the 49ers:
- Acquired: 2026 sixth-round pick
- Sent: 2026 seventh-round pick
- Kyle Dugger to the Steelers:
- Acquired: 2026 sixth-round pick
- Sent: 2026 seventh-round pick
The Patriots will also cover part of Dugger’s remaining salary, which stands at $9.75 million.
Keion White’s Journey
Keion White, a former second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had fallen out of favor under the new coaching staff led by Mike Vrabel. He registered five sacks in his second season but saw limited playing time, contributing on just 26% of defensive snaps this year.
The 49ers, plagued by injuries to their defensive line, identified White as a necessary addition. Notably, star defensive end Nick Bosa was lost for the season due to a torn ACL. Other defensive ends, including Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos, have also faced injuries. The Niners currently rank last in the NFL in pressure percentage (21.3%) and 25th in pass-rush win rate (33.8%).
Kyle Dugger’s Impact on the Steelers
Kyle Dugger has been with the Patriots since being drafted in the second round in 2020. He signed a four-year contract worth $58 million last year and has started 69 games, including four this season, amassing nine interceptions. His inclusion in the Steelers’ lineup comes at a crucial time, especially as starting strong safety DeShon Elliott is sidelined due to injury.
Coach Mike Tomlin emphasized Dugger’s role in enhancing the team’s defensive strategy. Elliott’s absence was felt during the Steelers’ recent game, highlighting the need for effective replacements in high-stakes matchups.
Future Considerations
The Patriots and their fans will be watching closely to see how these trades affect the teams’ dynamics moving forward. The 49ers may seek additional reinforcements for their defensive line, while the Steelers will work to adapt without Elliott’s leadership in the secondary.
As the season progresses, both the Niners and Steelers must maximize their new acquisitions to stay competitive in the league.
