The Washington Commanders allowed the highest average points per game in 2023, giving up 30.5 points per game. This was mainly because the defense allowed 262.2 passing yards per game, the most in the NFL. In order to enhance the secondary, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report identified the Commanders as one of the best destinations for New England Patriots' safety Kyle Dugger.
second-round pick, considering that the team needs a safety and has $43.9 million in cap space.
“Washington is second in available cap space with $43.9 million, and it should have no trouble spending some of that to bring Dugger in on a long-term deal. New head coach Dan Quinn has a defensive focus and could maximize Dugger’s playmaking abilities. Upgrading the safety position should be a priority for Washington’s new management. Neither Percy Butler nor Darrick Forrest — the team’s projected starters — have shown as much potential or skill as Dugger early in their respective careers.
“While the Commanders did add another promising defensive back in Jeremy Chinn this offseason, Dugger’s adaptability and reliability should be attractive to them. Dugger could thrive in the nation’s capital, leading a secondary that greatly needs assistance as the team rebuilds.”
Commanders Have Improved Their Defense This Offseason
The Washington Commanders hired a defensive-focused head coach in Dan Quinn, the first step in upgrading a defense that ranked in the bottom half of nearly every statistical category in 2023.
Quinn, previously the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, directed a defense that led the NFL in takeaways in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, the Cowboys had a top-five scoring defense in 2022 and 2023.
In addition to making Quinn the head coach, the Commanders’ offseason actions have mostly focused on that side of the football. The Commanders have acquired Bobby Wagner, Dante Fowler Jr., Frankie Luvu, Jeremy Chinn, Dorance Armstrong, and others.
Although the offseason acquisitions have been impressive, adding the New England Patriots safety would bring another skilled defensive player to the long list of players the Commanders have added.
What Dugger Would Contribute to the Commanders
Dugger is deemed a defensive player who embodies what many modern defenses seek, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic.
“Dugger, a 2020 second-round pick from Division II Lenoir-Rhyne, progressed slowly in his first few seasons. He made two pick sixes in an exceptional 2022 season, but 2023 wasn’t quite as good.
“He offers exactly what many modern defenses desire, with the size of a linebacker and the agility to drop deep as a safety. The Patriots used the transition tag on Dugger, giving them the ability to match any offer, but they will not receive compensation if they decline to match an offer.”
As Graff explains, the New England Patriots used the transition tag on Dugger, so they could match any offer if the Commanders presented him with a contract.
Dugger, 28 years old, allowed 478 yards on 64 targets in 2023, the most allowed in his career. Prior to the 2023 season, Dugger allowed fewer than 370 yards in every other year of his career.
