Stephen A. Smith questions whether Joe Burrow should feel confident about his future with the Bengals. (2:44)
Safety Kyle Dugger will remain in the AFC North in 2026, signing a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday.
The Bengals had a need at safety after Geno Stone signed with the Buffalo Bills last month.
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 former second-rounder along with a 2026 seventh-round pick.
The Steelers made the 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 played about half of the defensive snaps in the Week 18 finale and 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 College in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Patriots, Dugger has recorded 11 total interceptions in six seasons, including three pick-sixes. He's 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.
