Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger is signing a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Dugger's agent Drew Rosenhaus. The 30-year-old departs Pittsburgh after starting nine games this season. Contract details remain undisclosed but are likely near the NFL minimum.
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter announced on April 2 that free-agent safety Kyle Dugger has agreed to a one-year contract with the Bengals. Dugger's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the move. The deal comes after Dugger spent half a season with the Steelers, following a trade from the New England Patriots last October in exchange for late-round 2026 draft picks—a sixth-rounder from Pittsburgh for Dugger and a seventh-rounder from New England. He stepped in for injured strong safety DeShon Elliott, recording 42 tackles, five pass breakups and two interceptions, highlighted by a 73-yard pick-six against Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco on November 16, 2025. Dugger showed inconsistencies in coverage and tackling, prompting the Steelers to seek younger options amid a deep draft class at safety. Over his career, spanning 90 games with 78 starts, he has 483 tackles, 11 interceptions and 4.5 sacks. He lost favor under New England's Mike Vrabel regime before the trade. The Bengals, who ranked 30th in scoring defense, 26th in passing yards allowed and 29th in passing touchdowns permitted in 2025, need depth after Geno Stone signed with the Buffalo Bills. Dugger is the second ex-Steelers safety to sign elsewhere this week, following Chuck Clark's deal with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday. Pittsburgh has added Jaquan Brisker on a one-year pact and reportedly agreed with Darnell Savage, though that contract awaits finalization.
