This offseason, the New England Patriots gave safety Kyle Dugger a massive four-year extension worth up to $66 million with $32.5 million guaranteed.
According to Over the Cap, that deal made him the sixth-highest-paid safety in the NFL by average annual value.
Now, people around the league are viewing the 28-year-old as one of the best in the league at his position.
In ESPN’s recent survey of NFL executives, coaches and scouts, Dugger came in at No. 8. At least one person rated him the best safety in the game, and one NFL executive even broke down his game.
“He’s always been physical and a smart football player, but he’s become more of a complete player every year. He will physically strike you.”
Here are the safeties that ranked ahead of Dugger:
- Antoine Winfield Jr. – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Kyle Hamilton – Baltimore Ravens
- Jessie Bates III – Atlanta Falcons
- Minkah Fitzpatrick – Pittsburgh Steelers
- Jevon Holland – Miami Dolphins
- Budda Baker – Arizona Cardinals
- Derwin James Jr. – Los Angeles Chargers
