Kyle Dugger is not guaranteed to start the season as the Patriots sort out their safety depth. Dugger has been relegated to second-team reps while he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, with Jabrill Peppers and Jaylinn Hawkins taking prominent first-unit roles and Cal product Craig Woodson in the mix. Dugger’s mega extension remains, but health and progression will determine whether he remains a starter, becomes depth, or even is a trade candidate before roster cuts. The Patriots face a 53-man decision by late August as they balance cap considerations with on-field value.

Dugger finished 2024 with 81 tackles and a sack in 13 games after missing four games in 2024 due to the ankle, following a career-best 109 tackles in 2023. With a new coaching staff, depth moves like this aren’t shocking, but they signal how New England views Dugger at a pivotal preseason juncture. A potential move would hinge on dead money, team need, and the ability to land a partner who can offset his cap hit.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are conducting workouts for three long snappers: Peter Bowden, Matt Hembrough, and Sean Wracher, possibly signaling the end of Christian Kuntz's tenure with the team. Kuntz, the current long snapper, joined the Steelers in 2021 and signed a three-year extension in 2024. His future may hinge on these auditions, as the Steelers explore options to ensure stability in their special teams unit.

Bowden, from Wisconsin, played for the Jaguars' practice squad before this opportunity. Hembrough, previously with Oklahoma State, joined the Arizona Cardinals, while Wracher gained attention for his performance at Indiana University and attended the New York Giants' training camp. With Kuntz's contract allowing for an exit in 2025, the Steelers may be preparing for a transition.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have streamlined their quarterback roster by releasing practice squad quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, following the signing of C.J. Beathard as their No. 3 quarterback. Plumlee had been inactive on game days and was not chosen as a backup when Trevor Lawrence was injured.

Lawrence expressed his enthusiasm for Beathard's return, highlighting the strong camaraderie within the quarterback room. Additionally, the Jaguars made further roster adjustments by releasing long snapper Peter Bowden and signing offensive linemen Jerome Carvin and Dieter Eiselen.