The Patriots have moved swiftly to replace safety Kyle Dugger on their 53-man roster after trading away the veteran safety to the Steelers.

The Patriots plan to sign rookie safety John Saunders Jr. off of the Dolphins’ practice squad, a source confirms. ESPN’s Mike Reiss was first to report the move.

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Saunders, who’s 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, played free safety, strong safety and in the slot during two seasons at Ole Miss. Saunders transferred to Ole Miss from Miami (OH), where he played cornerback.

The rookie joins Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus and Brenden Schooler at safety on the Patriots’ 53-man roster. The team also has veteran safety Richie Grant on the practice squad.

Saunders ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash at his pro day in March with a 6.81-second 3-

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