Why the Patriots Are Trading Away Starters While Winning
It’s not every day that a team leading its division decides to ship off key players, but that’s exactly what Mike Vrabel’s New England Patriots have done. While sitting at 7-2 and first in the AFC East, the Patriots have been one of the NFL’s surprise stories this season. Still, Vrabel and the front office decided to trade away two starters, defensive end Keion White and safety Kyle Dugger, just before the trade deadline. On the surface, that sounds like a move made by a rebuilding team, not one chasing a playoff spot. But there’s a method behind the madness.
A New Coach, A New Vision
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Tennessee Titans
Vrabel’s first year in New England has been all about reshaping the team’s identity. He’s putting his own stamp on a roster that had been built for years under Bill Belichick’s defensive style. White and Dugger thrived in that old system, but Vrabel wants players who fit his version of aggressive, flexible defense. White, who’s more of a power rusher, didn’t fit the mold of the leaner, bend-the-edge pass rushers Vrabel prefers. Dugger, once prized for his ability to play near the line, didn’t mesh with the new scheme that values safeties who can handle multiple roles in coverage.
Both players saw their snap counts plummet and their roles reduced. White went from playing 74% of defensive snaps last season to barely 26% this year. Dugger slid to third on the safety depth chart before losing his starting job to Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson. In the end, Vrabel and the front office made the call to trade both for a pair of sixth-round picks.
Building For Tomorrow While Winning Today
Financial flexibility was a big factor. Dugger’s upcoming salaries of over $10 million a year in 2026 and 2027 would have made the cap tight for a team trying to rebuild depth. Offloading those future commitments gives New England more room to maneuver when it’s time to invest in younger players or a true number-one receiver next offseason.
The front office is also thinking smart about draft assets. With Vrabel calling this “year one” of his long-term plan, the Patriots are holding onto early draft picks and using Day 3 selections for smaller deals. They’re focused on keeping a solid foundation that can compete now and stay strong over the next few years.
Staying Steady After The Deadline
Despite losing White and Dugger, the Patriots didn’t panic at the trade deadline. Their only move was signing wide receiver Brenden Rice to the practice squad. Injuries at running back, including Antonio Gibson’s season-ending knee issue and Rhamondre Stevenson’s toe injury, forced rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Terrell Jennings into bigger roles. Vrabel also added three backs to the practice squad for depth.
On defense, losing White thinned out the edge rotation, but veterans Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson have been steady with 5.5 sacks each. The team hopes young players like Elijah Ponder can grow into bigger contributors down the stretch.