Former Steelers safety Kyle Dugger signs with AFC North rival

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Kyle Dugger #29 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends in coverage during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on December 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, former Steelers safety Kyle Dugger has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. This move keeps Dugger in the AFC North and gives him an opportunity to play a pivotal role on a defense that desperately needed help in the secondary.

Dugger was traded from the New England Patriots to the Steelers just last October. Pittsburgh sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to New England in exchange for Dugger and a seventh-round pick. The move allowed the Patriots to void the last two years of Dugger's contract, making him a free agent after the season. The move allowed the Steelers to get an insurance policy for then-recently injured DeShon Elliott, who missed the remainder of the season after a knee injury he suffered against the Green Bay Packers in week 8.

Former Steelers free-agent safety Kyle Dugger is signing a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus. pic.twitter.com/S1psSkF8J9

- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 2, 2026

The Steelers did not have to give up a lot to acquire Dugger, but he made an impact on the Steelers' defense during his short stint with the team. His most notable play came against his new team, in which he came up with a 73-yard pick-six off of Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco.

KYLE DUGGER PICK-6 OFF JOE FLACCO.

CINvsPIT on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVntpic.twitter.com/pMduSrhO1R

- NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2025

The safety became a free agent after the season, and a reunion became unlikely after the Steelers opted to sign Jaquan Brisker. Dugger had two interceptions and 42 tackles during his stint with the Steelers and now will have another opportunity to make an impact in the AFC North.

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