Report: Patrick Chung Considered Retiring, Extending Contract Changes Everything

Veteran safety Patrick Chung re-signed with the New England Patriots, and no one knows that he considered retiring. It turns out that the Patriots talked him out of retirement, and he signed a two-year contract extension.

Chung considered retirement this offseason as reported by Jeremy Fowler from ESPN. New England got Chung back on the roster, and he will stay in New England through 2023.

This move was more than necessary, and the Patriots freed up enough space to sign the top selection of the 2020 NFL Draft. Kyle Dugger earned his spot on the Patriots roster. Many believe that the Patriots will actually use the rookie as a replacement for Chung. He may not even play with the team through the entirety of his extension.

Patrick Chung considered retiring but changed his mind

In case of Chung’s retirement, New England would have freed up about $3 million off the salary cap. This contract extension freed up $925,000. Chung’s retirement was probably an option because he missed three games due to a nagging heel injury last season.

The Patriots selected the veteran safety in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the pick they got from Kansas City. In this move, the Patriots traded Mike Vrabel and Matt Cassel to the Chiefs. Chung will enter his 12th season in the NFL. This will also be his 11th with the Patriots.

Chung signed a three-year deal worth $10 million with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013. However, they cut him after the season was over, and returned to the Patriots in 2014. Chung will turn 33 in August. He has missed just five games in the last six seasons since returning to New England.

The Patriots have officially completed the team with the signing of Kyle Dugger. They signed the top selection of the draft hours after reaching an agreement with the veteran safety. Many analysts believe that Dugger will actually replace Chung once he decided to retire.

2020 will be exciting for the Patriots, and they have already accepted a few great challenges. Seeing Tom Brady leave is the biggest challenge the team has ever had in the team’s history.