The New England Patriots, with nearly $85 million in cap space, are eyeing the upcoming NFL free agency period. While re-signing Kyle Dugger and adding Baker Mayfield seem appealing, these moves might not be in the team’s best interest for the long term.
Mayfield, despite a strong season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has had inconsistency issues. He struggled in 2021 and continued to underperform with the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams. While he could be a stop-gap option, his expected high salary and multi-year commitment make him a risky choice, similar to the New York Giants’ situation with Daniel Jones.
Dugger, on the other hand, received the transition tag from the Patriots, indicating interest in keeping him. However, this move suggests the team doesn’t value him highly. Dugger’s positional fit and performance don’t justify a high salary. Safety is also considered a less valuable position in the NFL, as evidenced by recent cap casualties.
Jabril Peppers has emerged as a stronger option for the Patriots at safety, and Marte Mapu, a recent draft pick, is waiting for his opportunity. Dugger struggled at free safety last season, allowing many receptions and receiving a mediocre coverage grade.
To build a competitive team for the future, the Patriots should consider removing the transition tag from Dugger to free up cap space for a more suitable replacement. They could also explore cheaper, short-term options at quarterback to bridge the gap until they find a long-term solution in the draft. This approach would avoid the risk of being stuck with high-priced players who may not deliver consistent performance.
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