Understanding the Chung extension.

The Patriots drafted Kyle Dugger to add to their defensive backfield. Thoughts were he was going to be replacing Chung. The Patriots signed Chung on Wednesday to an exstention, locking the safety up until the 2023 season. Leaving many confused why the Patriots drafted Dugger.

Ignoring the fact that the Patriots needed help on special teams and that Harmon was just sent packing like an uninvited house guest, the Patriots had other reasons to sign Dugger.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported " Was told Chung considered retirement this offseason. Instead, he re-ups with New England for multiple years." This came moments after Field Yates broke the news on the contract exstention.

Per Field Yates, "The Patriots and S Patrick Chung have agreed to a two-year extension through 2023, per sources. Chung gets $3M to sign and is now due up to $12.8M over the next four years. One of the most reliable players on their standout defense." 

With exception to being arrested on drug chargers last season, Chung has been the embodiment of what it means to be a member of the Patriots. It's why the Patriots  were so quick to bring him home after shipping him off to the Eagles.

Chung is a three time superbowl champion and future member of the Patriots hall of fame. 

While the Patriots have Chung locked up to 2023, there is no guarentee that he will play that long. Dugger is an insurance policy incase Chung retires early or suffers another injury. Chung is one of the many players to sacrifice their bodies and suffer injuries in the superbowl, in Hope's of helping the Patriots obtain more jewelry 

The Patriots have their future at Safety secured with Joe Juan Williams and Kyle Dugger. So when McCourty and Chung finally give in to their thoughts of exiting stage left, the Patriots will be ready.