The Patriots have reportedly placed the transition tag on free agent safey Kyle Dugger, meaning they can match whatever offers he receives. (AP photo)

The Patriots like free agent-to-be safety Kyle Dugger a lot.

But does he like them?

To make sure that he at least has to have some tie to the team when free agency begins next week, the Patriots placed the transition tag on Dugger. That means that he can seek out free agent offers but the Patriots have the right to match the one he settles on. The tag value is reportedly $13.81 million. If Dugger finds a deal more than that, New England has to match the offer or lose him for no compensation. Otherwise he can play at that value.

Dugger had a career high 109 tackles, and had two interceptions. He also played 98 percent of the snaps, according to an ESPN report, more than any other player on the Patriots defense.

His value to the team has risen ever since he was drafted 37th overall — in the second round — in 2020 out of Division II Lenoir-Rhyne. The Patriots traded out of the first round that season. He’s known as a hard-hitter, sure tackler, and this past season he had to help fill the voide by the retirement of fellow safety Devin McCourty. He’s played in 61 regular season games with 52 starts.

Clearly, the Patriots want to keep Dugger — and more for just one year.

“Kyle is a talented player with a strong work ethic who has improved every year and been extremely productive since joining our team in 2022,” Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said in a team release on the move. “We vaule players with high character and choose to use the transition designation to give both sides more time to try to reach a long-term agreement, which is our goal with Kyle.”

Placing that tag on Dugger means the Patriots cannot place any kind of tag on coveted lineman Michael Owenu.

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