### Patriots Shake Up Roster: Trade Two Defensive Stars Ahead of Deadline The New England Patriots made significant moves in the NFL trade market on October 28, 2025, trading away two key defensive players, Keion White and Kyle Dugger. These trades come as the team looks to reshape its roster under new head coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots prioritized acquiring draft picks, trading White to the San Francisco 49ers and Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers, both in exchange for sixth-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. This strategy reflects a shift in focus towards future assets rather than immediate player contributions, especially as the team navigates a challenging season with a current record of 6-2 [https://abc30.com/post/sources-niners-fill-de-void-deal-patriots-keion-white/18082797][https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/trade_patriots_trading_s_kyle_dugger_to_steelers/s1_17039_42978712]. ### Breakdown of the Trades and Their Implications 1. **Keion White to the 49ers** - The Patriots traded defensive end Keion White, along with a 2026 seventh-round pick, to the 49ers for a sixth-round pick in the same draft. White, a second-round pick in 2023, struggled to maintain consistent performance and had not registered a tackle for loss or quarterback hit in the 2025 season prior to the trade [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/patriots_trade_young_defensive_end_to_49ers/s1_16700_42978220][https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/patriots-trade-de-keion-white-to-the-49ers]. 2. **Kyle Dugger to the Steelers** - Shortly after the White trade, the Patriots sent safety Kyle Dugger and a seventh-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Dugger, who had signed a four-year, $58 million extension, saw his playing time diminish under the new coaching regime, leading to speculation about his future with the team [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/patriots_continue_trade_activity_send_former_second_round_pick_kyle_dugger_to_steelers/s1_13132_42978277][https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers-trade-patriots-veteran-safety-after-deshon-elliott-injury]. 3. **Strategic Shift for the Patriots** - These trades indicate a strategic pivot for the Patriots, focusing on acquiring future draft capital rather than retaining high-salary players who are not fitting into the team's current plans. This approach aligns with the team's overall rebuilding strategy as they adapt to new leadership and seek to improve their long-term prospects [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/patriots_trade_veteran_pass_rusher_niners-keion-white/s1_13132_42978277][https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/new-england-patriots-kyle-dugger-pittsburgh-steelers]. ### Summary of Trade Outcomes and Future Considerations - **Key Trades**: 1. Keion White traded to the 49ers for a 2026 sixth-round pick. 2. Kyle Dugger traded to the Steelers for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a seventh-round pick. - **Implications**: - Both players were former starters who had underperformed or lost their starting roles. - The Patriots are now positioned to enhance their draft capital for future seasons, reflecting a long-term vision under new management. In conclusion, the New England Patriots' recent trades of Keion White and Kyle Dugger signify a clear intention to rebuild and reallocate resources towards future draft picks. This strategy may help the team navigate its current challenges while laying the groundwork for a more competitive roster in the coming years [https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots-trade-veteran-pass-rusher-niners-keion-white][https://www.profootballrumors.com/2025/10/steelers-to-acquire-s-kyle-dugger-from-pats].