The Chargers traded picks 37 and 71 to New England for No. 23…
The Chargers traded picks 37 and 71 to New England for No. 23 in the 2020 draft and selected linebacker Kenneth Murray. Murray became a multi-year starter, but Los Angeles declined his fifth-year option and he left after four seasons. New England selected safety Kyle Dugger at 37 and later moved pick 71. Dugger became a long-term defensive playmaker and earned a four-year extension, giving the Patriots the better return.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 2020 1st round pick (23rd overall, Kenneth Murray)
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2020 2nd round pick (37th overall, Kyle Dugger)
- pick 2020 3rd round pick (71st overall subsequently traded, Nnamdi Madubuike )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Los Angeles sent second-round pick 37 and third-round pick 71 to New England for pick 23 in the 2020 draft. The Chargers selected linebacker Kenneth Murray. The Patriots used No. 37 on safety Kyle Dugger and later traded the 71st selection rather than making the player choice that ultimately appeared at that draft slot.
Why the Value Separated
Murray provided substantial playing time, starting 53 games in four seasons with the Chargers. That keeps the move from being a disaster. The problem is the premium Los Angeles paid to reach the first round and the absence of a second contract. The Chargers declined Murray's fifth-year option, and he departed in free agency after the 2023 season, limiting the long-term payoff from the trade-up.
How the Deal Aged
Dugger became the stronger asset for New England. He developed into a versatile defensive back, produced turnovers and tackles across multiple seasons, and earned a four-year extension in 2024. That is exactly the type of second-round outcome that makes a trade-down attractive. New England also retained value from the extra third-round selection by moving it again.
Final Verdict
The Patriots earn a B+ because they moved out of the first round and still landed a long-term defensive starter while preserving another valuable asset. Los Angeles receives a C because Murray contributed for four seasons but did not justify the full cost or become a player the Chargers chose to keep. The Patriots' combination of Dugger's performance, longevity and added flexibility wins the deal.