The Green Bay Packers, in one off-season, became one of the youngest teams in the NFL. The choices to trade Aaron Rodgers and not re-sign many key veterans ushered in a new era in Green Bay. Having a young and talented roster provides for an extremely optimistic future.
However, young rosters can often benefit from veteran experience and leadership. That is exactly what the Packers are expected to add to their defense in the near future.
Ezoic
The NFL Staff at Bleacher Reported highlighted how this move would be beneficial for Green Bay:
Green Bay is going to be in the safety market this offseason, as they have several impending free agents at the position, including key contributors like Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford and Jonathan Owens. While replacing three players with one is impossible, Duggar’s versatility is a big reason why he’d be a great fit with the Packers.
The team is going to have a few holes to fill in the secondary, and the four-year veteran has recorded a significant amount of snaps in the box, as a deep safety and over the slot this season.
It also helps that he’s played well, earning a good run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus and surrendering an 82.0 passer rating when targeted heading into this weekend.
According to Pro Football Focus, Dugger is ranked No. 20 on its list of the Top 50 free agents for 2024:
“Kyle Dugger is the mold of the safety/linebacker hybrid that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has fallen in love with as more teams shift to dime packages and big dime looks with three safeties,” the site wrote. “Dugger fits in the run game as well as any defensive back in football, and he’s not a liability in coverage, particularly against bigger slot receivers and tight ends.”
It would make a ton of sense for the Packers to add a quality starter to the safety position after this season. The Packers have a lot of uncertainty at that position when it comes to the long-term. Adding Dugger would be a great step in the right direction.
It should also be noted that legendary head coach Bill Belichick could be on his way out in New England. If he decides to become a defensive coordinator elsewhere, Dugger would likely be one of his top targets.
Leave a Reply