The New England Patriots have their guy. At the start of the offseason, the team elected to give standout safety Kyle Dugger the transition tag. After months of discussion, the team has finally decided to give Dugger a much-deserved contract. Mike Garofolo reports that Dugger was given a $58 million contract over four years.

“Sources to me and @Eric_Edholm : The #Patriots and S Kyle Dugger have agreed to terms on a four-year deal. After receiving the transition tag, Dugger gets a multi-year deal above that number to remain in Foxboro for 2024 and beyond.”

Dugger was one of the best players in a Patriots defense that put a lot of emphasis on their ability to stop opposing offenses. Last season, Dugger tallied 108 tackles with one and a half sacks and two interceptions. His ability to play in coverage and in the box greatly helped the Pats in their defense, and allowed them to stay in games far longer than they should.

With Dugger in tow, the Patriots will now look to build towards the future with the safety at the helm. The Pats are in full rebuild mode, with the team trading Mac Jones and Bill Belichick out of the picture.

Kyle Dugger and the Patriots' defense

Article Continues Below
More New England Patriots News
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) walks towards the sideline before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs being cut ‘on the table,’ amid viral videoMike Gianakos ·
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs’ future hinges on truth over boat party says Albert BreerJake Faigus ·
New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (93) at Allegiant Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Controversial 1st-Round pick on chopping block to be cutConor Roche ·
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
2-time Super Bowl champion retires after 10 seasons with PatriotsConor Roche ·
Sep 24, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Falcons send fans into frenzy after immediately deleting ’28-3′ postMike Gianakos ·
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks the to media during a press conference at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel sounds off on viral Stefon Diggs boat videoBenedetto Vitale ·
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) runs the ball out of the end zone after an interception during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium.
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Dugger was taken by the Patriots in the second-round of the 2020 draft. Halfway through the season, the team elected to put him in the starting lineup. That move paid off dividends for the team. Dugger immediately proved that he's one of the best young safeties in the league.

In his first full season as a starter, Dugger had four interceptions for a Patriots team that were one of the best defenses in the league. In fact, that defense was the second highest-scoring defense that year. He's only been better since then, nabbing three defensive TDs in 2022 and grabbing those 2 INTs and 1.5 sacks last year.

The Patriots will be entering a new era in 2024. Jerod Mayo, Belichick's former understudy, will now be in charge of the once-great franchise. They're in a bit of a rough spot, as they're set to enter a deep rebuild. Still, having an elite safety should hopefully make the rebuild less painful… and perhaps faster.