Eagles Pull Off Surprise Trade for Veteran Starter — Just 8 Hours Before 53-Man Roster Deadline at 4PM

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Philadelphia Eagles have stunned the NFL world again, striking another trade just hours before Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline. The move instantly strengthens their secondary for the new season.

This marks the team’s fourth trade in the last 48 hours, following the acquisition of quarterback Sam Howell. General manager Howie Roseman continues to reshape the roster aggressively before cutdown day.

Philadelphia has been searching for stability at safety since moving on from C.J. Gardner-Johnson earlier this year. With injuries and inconsistency plaguing the depth chart, the need for a proven starter became urgent.

That player is Kyle Dugger, acquired from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. He’s expected to start alongside Reed Blankenship in Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme.

Dugger, 27, posted 81 tackles in 13 games last season and owns nine career interceptions. His versatility as a hybrid defender makes him a natural fit in Philadelphia’s aggressive secondary.

The Patriots, under new leadership, decided to move on despite Dugger’s four-year, $58 million extension. Playing deep into preseason hinted at his uncertain future before Tuesday’s deadline.

The timing of the deal adds drama: finalized just eight hours before the 4 p.m. roster cut, it’s the kind of bold stroke that’s become a Roseman trademark in Philadelphia.

For Eagles fans, the message is clear. This front office isn’t waiting for opportunities — it’s creating them. The path to Super Bowl LX just got another key reinforcement.