The New England Patriots are locking up their depth before the offseason hits.
NFL Media's Albert Breer reported Friday that the Pats signed safety Patrick Chung to a three-year contract extension, per union records. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the contract has $3.4 million guaranteed and can be worth up to $8.2 million, per a source who has seen the deal. Breer added the deal features a $2.4 million signing bonus and $4.2 million in base salary from 2015-17 along with incentives and per-game roster bonuses.
ESPN's Field Yates first noted the news.
Chung returned to the Patriots on a one-year contract in the offseason after being cut by the Philadelphia Eagles. The one-year sabbatical for Chung in Philly -- who spent his first four seasons playing in Foxborough -- didn't go well.
However, he's had a heck of a resurgence now that he's back under Bill Belichick. Chung has seven passes defensed and one interception to go along with 85 tackles this season. Pro Football Focus ranks him their No. 12 overall safety.
Breer also reported that the Pats signed running back Brandon Bolden to a two-year deal worth up to $2.3 million and a $300,000 signing bonus, according to the contract. The running back is a key special team producer and adds depth to the backfield with Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley set to be free agents.
Belichick continues to lock up his important role players ahead of free agency. He gave special team stud Matthew Slatera contract extension in November and top offensive line reserve Marcus Cannonone in December.
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