The NFL’s 53-man roster deadline passed on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET, and the New England Patriots appear to have kept two veterans in limbo for now: Kyle Dugger and Kendrick Bourne.
On defense, Dugger has been a regular in August’s preseason action, a sign that teams often use to gauge a player’s value for the regular season. His late-August performances against the Giants, which some viewed as a showcase to boost his trade value, have not sidelined him entirely, though they didn’t guarantee a spot either. Inside the Patriots’ building, Dugger’s lengthy contract remains a hurdle for would-be suitors. Reports cited that while several teams explored a deal, no agreement had been reached by cutdown time. His four-year, $58 million extension from last year and a slow 2024 season—partly due to a misdiagnosed high-ankle injury—have tempered the market, even as New England continues to view him as a versatile depth piece in a new defensive system under first-year coordinator Terrell Williams. Whether Dugger remains with the Patriots through Week 1 against the Raiders will hinge on how the roster shakes out in the weeks ahead.
Bourne’s situation is more about health and depth at receiver. The 30-year-old veteran has not been able to practice or take part in preseason games since injuring his foot in the August 1 intra-squad scrimmage. Coming off a challenging 2024 season in which his role diminished and he even received a coach’s decision DNP in Week 10, Bourne entered camp in a wide receiver room that features a crowded, eight-deep group. Bourne spoke publicly about embracing the competition, calling it the strongest and most dynamic camp he’s experienced. His veteran presence, especially the familiarity from his 2021 stint with the team under a different offensive staff, has helped keep him in position to be a trade candidate if a favorable opportunity arises.
New England’s current WR group for 2025 includes DeMario Douglas, Javon Baker, Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III and Bourne. Ja’Lynn Polk was placed on long-term injured reserve after shoulder surgery, opening a slimmer path to a Week 1 lineup than some fans might have expected.
Looking ahead, Bourne’s experience and reputation could still make him an appealing trade target for teams in need of a veteran presence at receiver, especially if the Patriots maintain flexibility with eight wideouts on their roster. Dugger’s case remains tied to fit within Williams’ system and the willingness of other teams to assume the remaining years on his deal. For now, the Patriots’ depth allows them to navigate a variety of scenarios as they prepare for Week 1 against Las Vegas.
Summary: The Patriots entered cutdown day with a couple of veteran questions to monitor—Dugger’s trade value and Bourne’s health and potential as a trade piece—while also keeping a robust receiver room and a flexible defensive depth chart as they set their Week 1 plans.
Add-on thoughts: The current situation underscores the importance of versatility and health in a crowded roster battle. If Bourne remains on the roster, it could be as a bridge option or a hold for the right trade window; if Dugger stays, New England will rely on his versatility as a depth defender while evaluating how Williams’ scheme leverages him. Either way, the roster dynamics give the Patriots room to react quickly once the season begins.