Patrick Chung

"It's time to start a new life," Chung wrote in an Instagram post announcing his retirement. The full statement can be viewed in the link below. One of the league's most versatile and underrated players of the last decade, Chung walks away as a team captain and an integral part of three Super Bowl wins under Bill Belichick. New England will move forward with Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger and Jalen Mills in the secondary.

Rapoport's report is further confirmation that the Pats will get their key players back next season after they opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19. "Physically, all are in a good place," Rapoport said. Without Hightower and Chung last year, New England allowed the 15th most yards per game and the seventh fewest points per game. Cannon will be $9.62 million against the cap in 2021, Chung will cost $5.13 million against the cap, and Hightower will cost $11.32 million against the cap. With upgrades at quarterback, tight end, wide receiver, and running back, the Patriots could easily be playoff contenders in 2021. 

Chung was one of a biblical wave of opt-outs for the Pats during the COVID-19 season. The 33-year-old is due an exceedingly-reasonable $1.1 million in 2021, so it stands to reason the cap-flush Pats will see what he has left in the tank following a solid 2019. Aside from a one-year sabbatical with the Eagles in 2013, Chung has been with the Pats since 2009. 

This is beginning to get serious for the Pats, who have now lost Chung, Dont'a Hightower and Marcus Cannon in one 12-hour period. Players seem to be even more concerned about COVID-19 and the league's protocols than they were letting on. Chung has a child on the way, and did not want to take any chances. One of Bill Belichick's most trusted players on defense, Chung's absence will create a huge void on the back end of the Pats' defense. Coupled with their losses in free agency, the Patriots are beginning to look extremely vulnerable, even if Cam Newton can bounce back. 22 days shy of his 33rd birthday, Chung's contract will toll to 2021, but his age means his future role will be up in the air.