Patriots solidify defense with Patrick Chung extension

The New England Patriots offense is less than stable heading into the 2020 campaign, but they made a move to bolster their defensive depth for the coming season and beyond.

Longtime Patriots safety Patrick Chung has reportedly signed a two-year extension through 2023, sources told ESPN's Field Yates. The 32-year-old gets a $3 million signing bonus and will receive up to $12.8 million over the next four years, Yates added.

The extension was likely done to create some cap relief for the salary cap-strained Patriots. According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Chung's extension creates $925,000 in cap space, which could be used to sign New England's second-round draft selection in Kyle Dugger -- the only draft pick who remains unsigned.

Chung has been a staple in New England's secondary since being selected by the team in the 2009 draft, despite leaving for a year in 2013 to play with the Philadelphia Eagles. Chung's ability to cover large receivers has proven to be very valuable to the New England defense over the years, so it's no surprise they want to keep him around for a little while longer.

However, Chung's days as a member of the Patriots could be numbered at 32 years old. Besides drafting a young safety in Dugger, New England went out and signed former All-Pro safety Adrian Phillips in free agency. Those two players should allow Chung to play in a limited role which will not only make him more effective, but will probably extend his career as well.