Posted on Oct 29

Patriots trade DE White to 49ers, S Dugger to Steelers for draft picks

Posted Oct 29, 2025

#trade #steelers #keion-white #49ers #patriots

The New England Patriots have traded defensive end Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers and safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers as part of a strategic roster overhaul.

Why it matters: These trades reflect the ongoing shift within the Patriots' organization and their approach to roster management under new leadership.

Both players were former starters but have faced challenges in their playing time this season.
The moves could signal a broader strategy by the Patriots to reshape their defense while also providing both players with new opportunities to succeed.

What’s new: The 49ers acquired Keion White for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick, while the Steelers received Kyle Dugger in exchange for a seventh-round pick and a sixth-round pick.

White's potential had drawn attention when he was selected as a second-round draft pick in 2023, but his production has been inconsistent.
Dugger, having signed a four-year, $58 million contract last year, brings significant experience to the Steelers’ secondary.

By the numbers: In his second season, Keion White recorded five sacks and played in 16 games as a rookie, starting four.

This season, however, he has managed only six tackles and one pressure while appearing in just 26% of defensive snaps, indicating a decline in his role.
Conversely, Kyle Dugger has started 69 games and recorded nine interceptions across his career, showcasing his ability as a playmaker in the secondary.

What to watch: The San Francisco 49ers rank last in the NFL in pressure percentage (21.3%) and 25th in pass-rush win rate (33.8%), indicating an urgent need for improvement on defense.

Adding White could address some of those deficiencies, especially as they aim to enhance their pass rush and overall defensive effectiveness.

Yes, but: The Steelers are replacing starting strong safety DeShon Elliott, who hyperextended his knee, creating a clear vacancy that Dugger can fill.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the importance of Elliott in their defense, noting his central role in run defense and coverage responsibilities against tight ends.

The bottom line: The trades of White and Dugger not only alter the landscape of both the Patriots' and the receiving teams' rosters but also underline the fluid nature of NFL personnel decisions.

As teams adjust to injuries and performance fluctuations, these trades serve as a reminder that rebuilding and retooling are constant elements of professional football dynamics.

Patriots trade DE White to 49ers, S Dugger to Steelers for draft picks

Alex Parker

Posted Oct 29, 2025

The New England Patriots have traded defensive end Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers and safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers as part of a strategic roster overhaul.

Why it matters: These trades reflect the ongoing shift within the Patriots' organization and their approach to roster management under new leadership.

Both players were former starters but have faced challenges in their playing time this season.

The moves could signal a broader strategy by the Patriots to reshape their defense while also providing both players with new opportunities to succeed.

White's potential had drawn attention when he was selected as a second-round draft pick in 2023, but his production has been inconsistent.

Dugger, having signed a four-year, $58 million contract last year, brings significant experience to the Steelers’ secondary.

By the numbers: In his second season, Keion White recorded five sacks and played in 16 games as a rookie, starting four.

This season, however, he has managed only six tackles and one pressure while appearing in just 26% of defensive snaps, indicating a decline in his role.

Conversely, Kyle Dugger has started 69 games and recorded nine interceptions across his career, showcasing his ability as a playmaker in the secondary.

What to watch: The San Francisco 49ers rank last in the NFL in pressure percentage (21.3%) and 25th in pass-rush win rate (33.8%), indicating an urgent need for improvement on defense.

Adding White could address some of those deficiencies, especially as they aim to enhance their pass rush and overall defensive effectiveness.

Yes, but: The Steelers are replacing starting strong safety DeShon Elliott, who hyperextended his knee, creating a clear vacancy that Dugger can fill.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the importance of Elliott in their defense, noting his central role in run defense and coverage responsibilities against tight ends.

The bottom line: The trades of White and Dugger not only alter the landscape of both the Patriots' and the receiving teams' rosters but also underline the fluid nature of NFL personnel decisions.

As teams adjust to injuries and performance fluctuations, these trades serve as a reminder that rebuilding and retooling are constant elements of professional football dynamics.