"The New England Patriots had a busy Tuesday, signing slot cornerback and punt returner Marcus Jones to a three-year extension worth $36 million, then trading defensive end Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers and safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers in deals that included a swap of late-round draft picks. The team also plans to sign rookie safety John Saunders Jr. off the Miami Dolphins' practice squad to their 53-man roster to fill Dugger's void, per sources familiar with the Patriots' plan."
"The moves come ahead of Tuesday's NFL trade deadline (4 p.m. ET). The Patriots (6-2) have been one of the NFL's surprise teams and are in first place in the AFC East, with the five-time defending division champion Buffalo Bills (5-2) directly behind them. The Patriots beat the Bills 23-20 on the road in Week 5 and will play them at home in Week 15."
"Coach Mike Vrabel, in his first season with the Patriots, continues to put his stamp on the team, with the recent flurry of moves the latest examples. Why did New England move on from Keion White and Kyle Dugger? White and Dugger were ideal fits in the old defensive scheme adopted by former coaches Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo, but not so much in Vrabel's scheme that values defensive ends who can bend the edge and safeties who can play multiple spots."
The New England Patriots extended slot cornerback and punt returner Marcus Jones to a three-year, $36 million deal, traded defensive end Keion White to the 49ers and safety Kyle Dugger to the Steelers, and plan to sign rookie safety John Saunders Jr. off the Dolphins' practice squad. The transactions included a swap of late-round draft picks and occurred ahead of the NFL trade deadline. The Patriots are 6-2 and leading the AFC East. Coach Mike Vrabel is adjusting personnel to fit his defensive scheme, prioritizing edge-bending defensive ends and versatile safeties.
Read at ESPN.com
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