When we put together a history of Bill Belichick's second-round picks with the Patriots earlier this week, Patrick Chung has had one of the most interesting career paths of any of the 22 players highlighted.
From 2009-12, Chung was often asked to play as a Cover-2 safety where he patrolled the deep part of the field. He saw significant playing time, but in that role, his true skill set went underused.
After a one-year run with the Eagles, the Patriots re-signed Chung in 2014 with new intentions. Because Devin McCourty had developed into one of the game's top free safties, Chung was freed up to play closer to the line of scrimmage. In his new role, he'd be able to better support the run -- Belichick has called Chung one of the best tacklers he's ever coached -- and match up with tight ends and slot receivers in coverage.
The results have been so good for both Chung and the team that he's now earned two different contract extensions since his return. His first came during the 2014 season, a three-year extension that was scheduled to keep him in New England through 2017.
According to Field Yates of ESPN, Chung has received another extension from the Patriots that will keep him in the Patriots locker room through 2018.
Chung's base salaries over the next three seasons will be $1.4 million, $2.5 million and $2 million, and his per-game roster bonuses for each of the three years can reach up to $200,000, $400,000 and $400,000.
In terms of his cap hits, the Patriots saved about $100,000 in 2016 with the extension. His cap number for this season will be $3.1875, then $4.5 in 2017 and $3.8 in 2018.
New England Patriots
With the extension the Patriots have both McCourty (through 2019) and Chung locked up to long-term deals. Last year's second-round pick Jordan Richards is also under contract through 2018. Free safety Duron Harmon, who played as the team's third safety and saw 612 snaps last season, is slated to become a free agent after this season.
Chung will be 29 years old when the 2016 season begins.