Source: Patriots plan to sign rookie safety away from AFC East rival

The Patriots have moved swiftly to replace safety Kyle Dugger on their -man roster after trading away the veteran safety to the Steelers The Patriots plan to sign rookie safety John Saunders Jr off of the Dolphins practice squad a source confirms ESPN s Mike Reiss was first to overview the move Related Articles Sources Patriots trading S Kyle Dugger to one-time AFC rival in pick-swap deal Source Patriots trading Keion White to ers in pick swap Patriots add two running backs including ex-Titans veteran Source Patriots Marcus Jones agree to three-year contract extension Patriots film review How Drake Maye elevated his MVP campaign blowing out the Browns Saunders who s -foot- pounds played free safety strong safety and in the slot during two seasons at Ole Miss Saunders transferred to Ole Miss from Miami OH where he played cornerback The rookie joins Jaylinn Hawkins Craig Woodson Dell Pettus and Brenden Schooler at safety on the Patriots -man roster The company also has veteran safety Richie Grant on the practice squad Saunders ran a -second -yard dash at his pro day in March with a -second -cone drill -second short shuttle -inch vertical leap -feet -inch broad jump and bench press reps of pounds He was a playmaker during his senior season in college intercepting three passes and forcing four fumbles He also registered tackles with tackles for loss and five pass breakups He intercepted passes with one touchdown during his college career and added pass breakups The Patriots still have one open spot on their -man roster after also trading defensive end Keion White to the ers It would not be surprising if they saved it for running back Terrell Jennings who is out of practice squad elevations