The Patriots closed out their public training camp sessions on Sunday with a red zone–heavy Day 13 that showcased one of the defense’s sharpest outings of the summer, particularly on the back end. While the secondary was flying around, the biggest storyline was how a veteran in that group was deployed: Kyle Dugger took his 11-on-11 work with the second unit, continuing a trend that’s grown more noticeable as August has progressed.
Dugger, entering year two of a four-year, $58 million contract, hasn’t consistently looked like the explosive playmaker fans are used to seeing. The 29-year-old is coming off a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 4 against San Francisco last season. He played through it for 13 games before undergoing surgery early in the offseason. Whether he’s still working back from that procedure or simply struggling to find his footing in a new system, the result has been fewer first-team reps at a time when first-year defensive coordinator Terrell Williams is installing a new scheme. For a high-minute starter with a sizable deal, missing top-unit reps is less than ideal.
The contract math underscores the stakes. Moving on would be costly: a release would push dead money into future seasons, with charges of $14.25 million in 2025 and $9 million in 2026. New England does have more than $60 million in cap space for this season, but a trade would be challenging as well given Dugger’s scheduled cap hits of $15.2 million, $17 million, and $18 million over the next three years. All of that said, it’s still mid-August, and teams often manage workloads for veterans returning from surgery. Depth-chart tinkering is common as coordinators experiment, especially in sub-packages. There’s time for Dugger to regain momentum if his health and play trend up.
While Dugger’s usage has drawn attention, rookie safety Craig Woodson’s arrow continues to point up. The fourth-round pick (106th overall) has been mixing in with the starters alongside Jabrill Peppers and Jaylinn Hawkins and delivered one of Sunday’s highlights when he nearly intercepted a goal-line throw from Drake Maye during an 11-on-11 period. Afterward, Woodson said he should have sold the play like a pick and taken off, adding that it’s a lesson he’ll carry forward.
Woodson also pointed to Peppers as a blueprint for how to play the position: fast, physical, and versatile enough to handle slot duties. That cross-training fits what Williams appears to be building—speed and physicality with interchangeable parts on the back end. Known for his hitting, Woodson brings a tone-setting style that could earn him an immediate role. Drafted after six other safeties this spring, he’s wasting no time making a case to be a major contributor when the Raiders visit Foxborough in Week 1.
What it means
– The secondary looks deeper and more competitive, which is a good problem to have. Three-safety packages with Peppers, Hawkins, and Woodson could become staples, especially in the red zone where communication and versatility are at a premium.
– Dugger’s situation bears monitoring. If this is simply a ramp-up after surgery, the rotation could shift quickly. If not, the Patriots’ cap flexibility gives them options, but patience may still be the prudent path as a veteran acclimates to a new coordinator.
– Woodson’s rise aligns with the defense’s identity under Williams: fast, physical, and flexible. His development gives New England another chess piece and could elevate the entire unit.
Logical perspective
Training camp roles can be misleading in the short term. Coaches often test combinations to see who communicates best in critical areas like the red zone. A veteran’s second-team reps don’t necessarily forecast September usage, but consistent trends do matter. For New England, the upside is clear: if Dugger rebounds or Woodson cements himself as a starter, the secondary becomes stronger either way.
Positive takeaway
The defense, and particularly the secondary, appears to be trending upward as camp closes to the public. Woodson’s emergence injects youthful energy and physicality, while competition should push everyone—including Dugger—toward better form by Week 1.
Summary
– Defense dominated a red zone–focused Day 13, the final open practice of camp.
– Kyle Dugger continued working with the second unit as his first-team reps dipped; he’s coming off ankle surgery and faces a pivotal stretch in a new scheme.
– Contract logistics make a trade unlikely and a release expensive, though the team has ample cap space if it chose that route.
– Rookie Craig Woodson is earning first-team reps and nearly had a goal-line interception; his physical, versatile style fits what the Patriots are building.
– Expect expanded three-safety looks and continued competition heading into the preseason homestretch and Week 1 against the Raiders.