The New England Patriots have re-signed safety, Patrick Chung, the team announced Thursday afternoon.
 Patrick Chung will add to the competition at safety in training camp. (USA TODAY Images) |
Chung was drafted by the Patriots in 2009, playing four years with the team. In that time he played in 50 games, starting 30 times over that span. The 26-year-old spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, who signed him to a three-year, $10 million contract last March.
After a disappointing season with the Eagles, Chung was released on March 11. The Patriots released safety, Steve Gregory, on Feb. 28 and have a need at the safety position. Chung's deal is expected to be for around the veteran minimum, which is $730,000 for one-year.
Quick Take: The Patriots still have a need at safety, despite the Chung signing. In the first couple years of his career with the Pats, he showed a ton of promise, but injuries were the main detractor. When he was finally able to stay healthy, he didn't look like the same player who had flashed early on.
With all that being said, however, this is a fine move for New England. The Patriots need help at safety, Chung can compete in training camp with Tavon Wilson, Adrian Wilson and Nate Ebner. He has no financial risk and has familiarity with the Pats defensive system.
If Chung is able to stay healthy, perhaps he can be the fourth or fifth safety on the depth chart, not to mention his potential contributions on special teams.
The only real "roster locks" at safety are Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon. I would expect the team to draft another safety or bring in a free agent to add to the competition.
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