Should Patriots be concerned with their safety position?

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2023 review: The Patriots lost a huge piece of their secondary when McCourty retired last offseason. The team ended up filling his role by leaning on Dugger and Peppers to start at safety.

Dugger was the team’s top strong safety. According to Pro Football Focus, he played 478 snaps in the box and another 371 snaps at free safety. Dugger led the Patriots in defensive snaps played, lining up for nearly 98% of the Patriots defensive plays in 2023.

Dugger, 27, finished with a career-high 109 tackles to go with two interceptions, seven passes defended and 1.5 sacks.

Peppers, 28, stepped up as the team’s top free safety, playing 424 snaps there and another 267 snaps in the box. He had one of the best years of his NFL career. Peppers finished with 78 tackles, leading the Patriots with eight passes defended to go with two interceptions.

Peppers played the third most defensive snaps on the Patriots in 2023.

Mills was the Patriots third safety last season, moving over from cornerback. He played 40.3% of the team’s defensive snaps. Mill played all over the secondary at free safety, slot cornerback, and strong safety. Mills started eight of 17 games played, finishing with 45 tackles.

Mapu and Phillips played reserve roles in the secondary. Phillips, 31, mainly played special teams, lining up for just 16 defensive snaps over the final eight games. After lining up for 882 defensive snaps in 2021 and 704 defensive snaps in 2023, Phillips played in just 138 defensive snaps last season.

Mapu, the team’s third-round pick, made 18 tackles and secured his first interception. He played 17.9% of the team’s defensive snaps.

The future: The Patriots have a huge decision to make with their safety position this offseason.

Dugger’s one of the top safeties available in free agency and if he departs, the team will have a huge void to fill. The team likely planned for his departure by drafting Mapu, but that would mean a drop in talent level in their secondary.

Dugger started 52-of-61 games played over the last four seasons. He should be a priority for the Patriots. If he signs elsewhere, the Patriots could spend big to fill his spot with another veteran such as Antoine Winfield Jr., Xavier McKinney, or Micah Hyde.

With Phillips’ playing time declining, the Patriots will likely add to this position regardless of Dugger’s status. You can argue that the team could use another ‘true’ free safety. Peppers performed admirably, but might be better suited as a strong safety.

After drafting Mapu last season, the team could have big plans for him in the secondary. It also wouldn’t be surprising if they drafted another safety to add more depth to this group. At this point, Mapu is the only safety signed in New England through next season.

Some of the top safety prospects include Kamren Kinchens (Miami), Tyler Nubin (Minnesota), Calen Bullock (USC), and Javon Bullard (Georgia).

Part 1: Patriots quarterback review

Part 2: Patriots receiver review

Part 3: Patriots running back review

Part 4: Patriots tight end review

Part 5: Patriots offensive line review

Part 6: Patriots cornerback review