Patriots' unconventional move with veteran safety could pay dividends

Per multiple reports, the New England Patriots are placing the transition tag on safety Kyle Dugger. He is just the sixth player in 15 years to receive the tag, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. 

The Patriots drafted Dugger in the second round in 2020. He is one of New England's most crucial defensive players, recording 109 tackles and two interceptions in 2023. 

The transition tag has differences to the franchise tag. MassLive.com's Mark Daniels explains it here:

"It’s a one-year deal that is for the average of the top 10 salaries at the position (vs. top-5 for the franchise tag). By applying the tag, the Patriots have the right to match any offer another team wants to give Dugger. If another team were to sign Dugger away, the Patriots would not get any draft compensation."

It is an unconventional but potentially smart move, as it gives the Patriots a safety net and more time to decide if they want to keep Dugger. The Patriots are paying Dugger only the $13.815 million required by the transition tag.

If a team submits an offer the Patriots are not willing to match, or if Dugger decides to choose another team's offer, New England will have to seek a replacement via free agency or the NFL Draft. Safeties like Jamal Adams, Eddie Jackson, Quandre Diggs and Micah Hyde are all 2024 unrestricted free agents, which means the Patriots have plenty of options. 

The situation with Dugger will be an interesting one to follow. More developments will occur once free agency opens on Wednesday, March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.