
After an unceremonious year in Philadelphia, Patrick Chung’s return to New England was a move few saw coming. (USA Today Sports Images)
NEPD Editor: Oliver Thomas
When a team’s former top pick logs three playoff snaps in a contract year, it sends a message.
It sends a message that the results did not equal the investment, that the player is not part of the solution, and that the organization is moving on.
In March of 2013, that appeared to be the case with Patrick Chung.
The New England Patriots allowed the 34th overall selection in the 2009 draft to walk. And the safety did, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $10 million deal.
It was short-lived.
Eagles head coach Chip Kelly decided to cut ties with the Oregon Duck just 364 days after signing him. Philadelphia didn’t find the 26-year-old to be part of the solution, either, and saved $3.25 million by releasing him.
As that reunion ended, though, another one began.
The Patriots re-signed Chung on April 3. (more…)