The New England Patriots defense has reached the end of another life cycle. After being led by the likes of Devin McCourty and Dont’a Hightower for most of the past decade, the keys will soon be handed over to a new generation of players.
McCourty, after all, is in the final year of his contract and will turn 35 in August. Hightower, meanwhile, remains unsigned as an unrestricted free agent.
Who will step into their shoes remains to be seen, but it appears Kyle Dugger is one prime candidate to take on a more prominent leadership role in 2022 and beyond.