Kyle Dugger was working out on the treadmill when his agent, Andy Simms, called him early last month with some good news. At first, the Patriots safety said he was "a little agitated" to get a call during his workout. But that agitation soon turned to elation once the message set in.
Simms let Dugger know he had successfully negotiated a four-year, $58 million contract ($29.75 million fully guaranteed) with the team. This new deal erased the one-year transition tag ($13.8 million) that the team had placed on him. “Once the news was told to me, I was obviously excited,” Dugger said following Monday’s OTA session. “I went right back to work, but I was very excited about it. I talked to them. I didn’t really get too much into the details, but I was happy about it.”
The new contract gave the 28-year-old safety some security and peace of mind instead of a one-year deal. “It was just a relief, honestly. It’s nothing you can completely ignore, as much as you try, if I’m being completely honest,” Dugger said. “It’s always kind of sitting there, as much as you try to focus on the field, and things like that. But once it’s done, once it comes to an agreement, it allows you to get back focused on all your focused on: the field, the work, everything that’s going to help you play better once the season starts.”
With the contract comes added responsibilities. Dugger acknowledged this and said he was ready to take on the challenge. “As an individual, just be consistent, lead by example, put my best foot forward, and help where I see possible,” he said when asked if he felt compelled to do more given the Patriots haven’t extended too many players after their rookie contracts expire. “Do everything that’s needed of me, help younger guys come along, things like that. Just be consistent. That’s the biggest thing.”
As for continuing to be an integral part of Jerod Mayo’s defense, Dugger said he couldn’t be happier. Asked how much better the group will improve this year, he answered: “Tremendously. If I’m being honest, I really don’t see a ceiling for the group,” he said. “As individuals, I think everyone has room to grow. I know for myself, I have a lot of room to grow. I think we’re going to have a tremendous leap.”
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