CINCINNATI — The Bengals added some depth to their secondary Thursday.
Free agent safety Kyle Dugger signed a one-year contract with the Bengals, the team announced.
Dugger joins a group that features new signee Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle as the team’s primary safeties.
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Cook was one of Cincinnati’s big additions in free agency. He signed a three-year contract worth $40.25 million. Battle, who is entering his fourth year in the league, is considered to be one of the team’s ascending defenders entering 2026.
The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Dugger from the New England Patriots at last season’s trade deadline, giving up a 2026 sixth-round pick to land the 2020 second-rounder along with a 2026 seventh-round pick.
The Steelers made that move as starting strong safety DeShon Elliott went on season-ending injured reserve. Dugger had an immediate impact, playing nearly 100% of defensive snaps in his first game in Pittsburgh as the Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts. Dugger then had a pick-six in his third start, and he had another interception in the Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Though he played nearly every defensive snap in his first eight games with the Steelers, he was in for only about half of the defensive snaps in the Week 18 finale and the playoff game as the Steelers split Dugger’s reps with fellow veteran Chuck Clark.
Dugger, 30, recorded 59 tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit and two interceptions with the Steelers and Patriots last season.
Since being selected out of Lenoir-Rhyne University in the NFL draft by the Patriots, Dugger has recorded 11 total interceptions in six seasons, including three pick-sixes. He has also forced three fumbles and had a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Dugger isn’t the only addition made to the secondary by the Bengals on Thursday. Cincinnati also signed free agent cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor, the team announced.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor contributed to this report.
