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Jerod Mayo said the Patriots are still aiming to sign Kyle Dugger to a long-term deal
Mayo noted that the transition tag is intended to āgive both sides more time to try to reach a long-term agreement.ā
Jerod Mayo on Kyle Dugger: The Patriots formally announced on Tuesday afternoon that the team has elected to use the transition tag to “extend their rights” with safety Kyle Dugger in the hopes of reaching agreement on a long-term deal.
Dugger, 27, has become an important piece in New England’s defensive setup since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. New head coach Jerod Mayo said he wants to keep the capable safety for his ability, but also his character.
“Kyle is a talented player with a strong work ethic who has improved every year and been extremely productive since joining our team in 2020,” said Mayo via a Patriots statement. “We value players with high character and chose to use the transition designation to give both sides more time to try to reach a long-term agreement, which is our goal with Kyle.”
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The one year tender offer provided via the transition tag means that Dugger is set to make an average of the top-10 salaries at his position. Should another team make Dugger a contract offer, the Patriots will be able to match it and retain him. However, in a difference from the more traditional “non-exclusive franchise tag,” New England would not receive any compensation should the team decline to match Dugger’s competing offer.
Trivia: Kyle Dugger isn’t the only former Division II player to start a game for the Patriots defense last season. Can you name the other one?
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(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He set multiple sack records while at Grand Valley State.
Scores and schedules:
On Tuesday, the Celtics blew a 22-point fourth quarter lead, falling 105-104 in Cleveland to the Cavaliers (ending Boston’s 11-game winning streak). Boston will be back on Thursday night in Denver against the Nuggets at 10 p.m.
Also on Tuesday, the Bruins lost to the Oilers in overtime, 2-1. The next test comes at 7 p.m. on Thursday against the Maple Leafs at TD Garden.
Tonight, the Revolution host Costa Rica side Liga Deportiva Alajuelense in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup matchup. The game will kick off at 6 p.m.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, PWHL Boston will be on the road to play Toronto at 7 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
- Celtics fall apart late, blow 22-point lead to Cavaliers to snap winning streak: 9 takeaways
- Report: Canucks could flip Elias Lindholm to Bruins as part of blockbuster deal
- Jayden Daniels refutes report his camp doesn’t want him playing for Patriots
- Report: Peyton Manning is recruiting Bill Belichick for media gig with Omaha Productions
- Four more teams reportedly interested in Jordan Montgomery amidst ‘pitching panic’
An awesome Celtics edit: Taken from the recent demolition of the Warriors, the Celtics’ video team produced a creative depiction of the team’s “nonstop” scoring.
On this day: In 2018, the Bruins defeated the Red Wings 6-5 in overtime thanks to a Brad Marchand goal (his third of the game).
Daily highlight: From the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament, North Alabama downed Lipscomb with a running buzzer-beater. (The North Alabama radio call is also worth a listen).
Trivia answer: Matthew Judon
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