As the Patriots were finalizing their preparations for Saturday's divisional round showdown with the Ravens they were evidently busy locking up a couple of pending free agents for the future.
According to multiple reports, the Patriots signed safety Patrick Chung to a three-year extension worth up to $8.2 million with a $2.4 million signing bonus and $3.4 million in guarantees.
The reports indicate Chung, who spent 2013 with Philadelphia after playing the first four years of his career in New England, will earn base salaries of $1 million in 2015, $1.4 million in 2016 and $1.8 million in 2017. The deal also includes roster bonuses of up to $200,000 each season to be paid each week and another $500,000 in incentives.
Chung has enjoyed a resurgence in his second tour with the Patriots, teaming with Devin McCourty to provide run support along the back line at safety. He played in all 16 games with 15 starts, recorded 89 tackles with an interception and 10 passes defensed.
McCourty is also scheduled to be a free agent at season's end but there hasn't been any news regarding a possible extension for him at this point. Perhaps the franchise tag is a possibility down the road.
The team also reportedly extended running back Brandon Bolden with a two-year, $3.2 million deal. Bolden's extension includes a $300,000 signing bonus.
Bolden is primarily a special teamer but did make some contributions out of the backfield. He finished the season with 89 yards on 28 carries and scored one touchdown.
