The Patriots informed other teams that safety Kyle Dugger and linebacker Anfernee Jennings are available for trade. Coach Mike Vrabel downplayed the reports and advised against putting much stock in them. Both players logged unusual, extended preseason reps, with Dugger recording a late interception and Jennings posting three sacks. Dugger finished last season with 81 tackles (second on the team) and Jennings had 78 (fourth). Practice activity suggested reduced roles, as rookie Craig Woodson and veteran Jaylinn Hawkins took reps ahead of Dugger and new EDGE additions received significant work at Jennings's position.
Both players were put in an unusual spot during last week's preseason win against Minnesota, playing deep into the second half. Dugger recorded an interception on the final play of the game. Jennings recorded three sacks. They aren't the kinds of players who typically play in the second half of preseason games, and it showed. Dugger posted 81 tackles last season, good for second on the team. Jennings was fourth with 78.
But, along with the late reps from last week, there have been signs in practice that the coaching staff has at least considered diminished roles for both players. Rookie Craig Woodson and veteran safety Jaylinn Hawkins have both taken reps ahead of Dugger in practice recently. The Patriots have added depth at their EDGE positions, with Keion White, Harold Landry, and K'Lavon Chaisson getting plenty of action at Jennings's position.
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