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

The New England Patriots made significant roster changes on March 5, 2024, trading defensive end Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers and safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both trades occurred in quick succession, reflecting the Patriots’ strategy to recalibrate their defensive lineup.

In the first transaction, the Patriots sent White, along with a 2026 seventh-round pick, to the 49ers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Shortly afterwards, Dugger was traded to the Steelers, also for a sixth-round pick, alongside another seventh-round selection. These moves highlight an urgent response to injuries impacting both teams.

49ers Bolster Roster with White’s Arrival

The addition of White comes at a critical juncture for the 49ers, who have faced a series of injuries within their defensive line. The most significant setback occurred in Week 3 when star defensive end Nick Bosa was sidelined for the season due to a torn right anterior cruciate ligament. The team’s struggle continued in their recent loss to the Houston Texans, where defensive ends Bryce Huff, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Sam Okuayinonu dealt with injuries that hampered their performance.

As the season progresses, the 49ers rank last in the NFL for pressure percentage at 21.3% and are 25th in pass-rush win rate at 33.8%. White, once a promising prospect, fell out of favor in New England due to a lack of fit in new coach Mike Vrabel’s scheme. He was a healthy scratch during the Patriots’ victory against the Cleveland Browns and has played just 26% of defensive snaps this season, recording six tackles and one pressure.

Originally drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, White had some success during his rookie season, appearing in 16 games with four starts, totaling 26 tackles and one sack. His role expanded under new head coach Jerod Mayo in 2024, where he played in every game with 13 starts, amassing 56 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.

With one year remaining on his rookie deal at a base salary of $1.812 million for 2026, White’s arrival signifies the 49ers’ commitment to addressing their defensive needs. As they await the return of injured players, further trades to enhance the defensive line remain a possibility.

Dugger’s Impact on Steelers’ Defense

Dugger’s acquisition by the Steelers is primarily a response to the injury of starting strong safety DeShon Elliott, who hyperextended his knee in a recent game against the Green Bay Packers. Elliott’s role as a central figure in the secondary and his physical presence in run defense made him a valuable asset, and his absence raises concerns for the Steelers.

Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the challenge of adapting the defensive strategy without Elliott, stating, “He is a central figure in our secondary in terms of run defense… it’s not a one-person job; it’s a multi-person job.” The Steelers struggled to contain tight end Tucker Kraft in the previous game, and with a tough matchup against the Indianapolis Colts and rookie Tyler Warren ahead, Dugger’s experience will be crucial.

Dugger, drafted in the second round in 2020, has started 69 games over his five-plus seasons with the Patriots. His versatility and proven track record in both coverage and run support will be essential as the Steelers navigate the upcoming challenges.

As the NFL season unfolds, both the 49ers and Steelers look to these trades to bolster their defenses and improve their chances in the competitive landscape of the league. The urgency of these trades underscores the evolving dynamics within the NFL as teams adapt to injuries while striving for playoff contention.