The New England Patriots were busy Thursday locking up two key contributors to contract extensions.
The Patriots signed starting safety Patrick Chung to a three-year extension through 2017 and running back/special-teams ace Brandon Bolden to a two-year extension through 2016.
Chung’s contract is worth up to $8.2 million with $3.4 million guaranteed, ESPN’s Field Yates reports. Bolden’s deal is worth $2.32 million, according to Yates.
Chung was a 2009 second-round draft pick by the Patriots. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in 2013 but was cut after just one year. He signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract to come back to the Patriots this offseason.
Chung played in all 16 games this season for the Patriots, starting 15. He recorded 85 tackles with one interception and shined in his new role as a strong safety. Chung previously played deep at free safety for the Patriots.
Bolden was set to become a restricted free agent after the season. He originally signed a three-year contract with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2012.
Bolden is a core special-teamer who also contributes out of the backfield. He has 139 total carries for 634 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons. He also has 25 catches for 171 yards.
Fellow running backs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley are free agents after this season. Star free safety Devin McCourty also is a free agent.
Thumbnail photo via Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports Images
