Dugger (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice session.

EDGE Analysis

Dugger was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, but the 2020 second-round pick appears to be nursing an ankle injury. His participation Friday will provide clarity on his chances of playing against the Seahawks on Sunday.

Dugger and the Patriots agreed Sunday on a four-year, $58 million deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to Rapoport, Dugger's contract is worth up to $66 million and contains $32.5 million guaranteed. Earlier in the offseason, New England placed its transition tag on Dugger, but the tag merely served as a placeholder until the 28-year-old safety was able to work out a longer-team deal with the Patriots. Dugger turned in his best season yet in 2023, appearing in all 17 of the Patriots' games while logging 109 tackles, 1.5 sacks, seven passes defensed, two interceptions and one forced fumble.

The Patriots will place the transition tag on Dugger, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, by placing the transition tag (worth $13.81 million) on Dugger, the Patriots retain the right to match any free agent offers the starting safety might receive. In 17 games during the 2023 regular season, the 2020 second-rounder recorded a career-high 109 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, to go along with two interceptions.

Dugger logged a career-high 109 tackles, to go along with two interceptions and 1.5 sacks in 17 games with the Patriots during the 2023 regular season.

EDGE Analysis

Dugger, whom Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site describes as one of the NFL's most versatile defenders, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. It remains to be seen if he'll re-sign with the team that took him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but if so, Dugger would be in line to remain a key cog in New England's defense in 2024, while operating as a starting safety.

Dugger finished with 10 tackles (seven solo) and a pass defensed in the Patriots' 27-21 loss to the Bills on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The strong safety played all 68 defensive snaps even though he was questionable (undisclosed) coming into the game. Dugger has yet to miss a game this year and has played at least 83 percent of the defensive snaps in all of them. The fourth-year pro has 103 tackles, seven passes defensed, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 2023.

Dugger (undisclosed) is available for Sunday's tilt verus the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

Dugger was considered questionable for Sunday's tilt, but he is ultimately feeling good enough to play through it. Look for him to take on his usual role at strong safety assuming he avoids any setbacks.

Dugger registered six tackles (four solo) and returned a 20-yard interception in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Commanders.

EDGE Analysis

Dugger's interception came with 23 seconds left in the second quarter on a Sam Howell pass intended for Jahan Dotson in the endzone that stopped the Commanders' late drive. Dugger has now recorded a pick in back-to-back games and he's suddenly on track to match or surpass the three interceptions he had in 2022. His 63 tackles is second on the team behind Ja'Whaun Bentley (68).

Dugger had nine tackles (seven solo) including one sack and an interception in Sunday's 31-17 loss to the Dolphins.

EDGE Analysis

Dugger intercepted Tua Tagovailoa in the first quarter on a pass inteded for Tyreek Hill which subsequently led to a 24-yard touchdown pass to Kendrick Bourne. Dugger followed that up with a sack on Tagovailoa in the second quarter, though the Dolphins were still able to score a touchdown on the drive. Dugger leads the Patriots defense in tackles over eight games with 57 total (38 solo) and is on pace to surpass his mark of 78 from last year. For the second straight game, he played in 100 percent of the defensive snaps Sunday.

Dugger recorded seven tackles (seven solo) in the Patriots' Week 7 win over the Bills on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The seven tackles matched Dugger's second-most through seven games. On the year, Dugger has 48 tackles (31 solo), four TFLs, two pass breakups and one QB hit. He's started all seven games to this point, playing 95 percent of the Patriots' defensive snaps.

Dugger (toe) is active for Sunday's contest against the Raiders.

EDGE Analysis

Dugger was given the questionable tag after he was limited at practice Thursday and Friday. He's tied with linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley with the most tackles on the team with 36.