Bengals Add Kyle Dugger On A One-Year Deal, Former Steelers Safety Brings Immediate Secondary Depth

The Cincinnati Bengals added veteran depth to their secondary on Thursday, with free agent safety Kyle Dugger agreeing to a one-year contract, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus, who relayed the news to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Dugger arrives as the team continues to reshape its defensive backfield around new safety Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle.

The move gives Cincinnati another experienced option at safety after Cook signed a three-year deal worth $40.25 million, while Battle enters his fourth NFL season with an expanded role. The Bengals also signed free agent cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor on the same day, signaling a broader effort to strengthen the back end of the defense.

Dugger’s path to Cincinnati

Dugger, 30, spent part of last season with the Steelers after Pittsburgh traded for him at the deadline. The Steelers sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Patriots and received Dugger plus a 2026 seventh-round pick.

Pittsburgh made the move after starter DeShon Elliott went on season-ending injured reserve. Dugger stepped in quickly and played nearly every defensive snap in his first game with the Steelers, a win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Impact in Pittsburgh

Dugger made his presence felt soon after the trade, including a pick-six in his third start and another interception in Pittsburgh’s Week 17 loss to Cleveland. He opened his stint with heavy usage, then saw his role reduced late in the season as the Steelers split reps with veteran Chuck Clark.

Across games for both Pittsburgh and New England last season, Dugger finished with 59 tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit and two interceptions. His production reflected both his versatility and his ability to contribute in different defensive packages.

Career résumé and fit

A former second-round pick from Lenoir-Rhyne, Dugger has built a steady NFL resume with 11 career interceptions in six seasons. He has also scored three pick-sixes, forced three fumbles and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

For Cincinnati, the signing adds a proven defensive back with starting experience and special-teams value, while also giving the coaching staff another veteran presence in a secondary that is still taking shape. The Bengals are also betting that Dugger’s ball skills and short-term flexibility can help a defense looking for more reliable depth at safety.