For the second straight offseason Patrick Chung is being rewarded for his play. This time he gets one year added to his contract.
The Patriots signed the safety to a one-year contract extension, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, keeping Chung in New England through the 2018 season. The deal is worth $5.7 million in new money over the next three seasons, Rapoport added, per a source who's seen the deal.
ESPN first reported the news of Chung's extension.
After a mediocre first five seasons to his career, Chung has quickly turned it around the past two seasons in New England. Since returning to the Pats after one disastrous season in Philadelphia, Chung has been one of the top safeties in the game, with the dual ability to cover routes and defend against the run. (Pro Football Focus ranked Chung their No. 6 overall safety in 2015 and No. 10 overall in 2014.)
The extension, which includes a $2.4 million signing bonus, was a reward for Chung's best pro season.
The 28-year-old safety has been especially key to guarding tight ends in space, an increased need in today's NFL.
The move will drop Chung's 2016 cap number by just $100,000, but increase it in 2017.