For much of the past week, there have been a lot of rumors surrounding the players on the Patriots most competing for a spot on the 2025 roster. The conversation was kicked into high gear on Wednesday, when reports from NFL insiders suggested that two starters, safety Kyle Dugger and linebacker Anfernee Jennings, were being dangled on the trade market.
Both players have seen their stock drop since the Mike Vrabel regime took over at the start of the offseason, as they remained in most of the first two preseason games and have seen their reps at practice cut or moved to the backups.
Despite their contributions over the years, Dugger and Jennings have been the main subjects of trade rumors, and now Vrabel is denying those reports, while even calling out some of the Boston media for continuing the discussion.
Asked about Kyle Dugger and Anfernee Jennings being on the trade block, Mike Vrabel, on @985TheSportsHub, took a shot at Zo and then diminished it
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) August 21, 2025
"I don't know, you reported a lot of things that may not have been true, so I wouldn't put a lot of stock in the reports that go…
While this might be an attempt by the head coach to take some heat off the team, since many are confused as to why either player would even be considered for trade, it's also possible that there is not much there regarding their trade status.
How they play in the preseason finale will likely dictate their immediate futures in New England or elsewhere, as they join a long list of players hoping to prove they deserve a spot on this year's roster.
Kyle Dugger and Anfernee Jennings aren't the only Patriots players competing for a spot on the roster
Since starters are not expected to play in the preseason finale, the focus shifts to the rest of the players, who must perform and impress the coaches to secure a role for the upcoming season.
That is particularly true for several players on the offense, with a few spots left in the wide receiver room and maybe even the tight end room. There's also uncertainty surrounding the offensive line, as presumed starters, like Jared Wilson, have been tested at other positions after presumably locking up a starter role during training camp.
Defensively, Dugger has had a rough road over the past few months, with backup safeties impressing during practice on a regular basis. It has resulted in the veteran working with the second-team defense this week, so he has a lot to overcome to ensure his standing with the team is good before roster cuts next week.
The same can be said about Jennings, with several free agency and draft additions performing at a high level this offseason and taking up the available starting spots that might have otherwise included him.
With Vrabel's response to the trade rumors, it will make the game against the Giants that much more fascinating to watch unfold.