Patrick Chung, Patriots Agree to New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

After a solid 2015 season, the New England Patriots rewarded safety Patrick Chung with a new contract Friday. 

According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Pats signed the veteran defensive back to a one-year extension that takes his deal through the 2018 season:

Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald added that as part of the $5.7 million in new money Chung will make, a $2.4 million signing bonus was included in the agreement.

Per Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, the revised contract will bump Chung's 2016 salary from $1.6 million to $4 million.

The 28-year-old safety racked up 82 tackles in 14 starts last season after registering 95 tackles in 2014 to go along with one interception.

New England selected Chung in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft out of Oregon, and he was a full-time starter by his second season in the league.

He signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013, but after just one campaign with the team, he was released and ultimately returned to the Pats.

Chung has proven to be a sure-handed tackler who is especially useful in run coverage, and although he has just one interception over the past three seasons, his eight career picks suggest he can be successful against the pass as well.

There were plenty of question marks surrounding New England's secondary entering the 2015 season after losing veteran cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, but Chung provided a steady, veteran presence.

Due to his leadership and familiarity in head coach Bill Belichick's defense, the Patriots' desire to keep him in the fold for at least one extra season makes plenty of sense.

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