Chung announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was previously reported that Chung, who opted out of the 2020 NFL season, was planning to return to the team this year. The 33-year-old spent all but one of his 11 pro campaigns with New England, racking up 778 tackles and 11 picks in the process. With Chung no longer in the mix, the Patriots safety corps is currently headed by Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger and Jalen Mills.

Chung is planning to return to the Patriots in 2021 after opting out of the 2020 season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

At age 33, Chung should be more physically refreshed than his age would indicate after an extended time off from the rigors of the NFL. The veteran will aim to once again lead the team's safety corps. In his 2019 season, Chung posted 51 tackles and three pass breakups across his 13 contests.

Chung (opt out) plans to return to the Patriots next season, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chung opted out of the 2020 season but plans to return to New England for the 2021 campaign. The starting strong safety job will likely be Chung's to lose, though it remains to be seen what level he'll be capable of performing at after a year out of football at age 34.

Chung plans to opt out of the 2020 season, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The soon-to-be 33-year-old safety is the sixth New England player to announce his attention to sit out the season. Chung started 82 regular-season games for the Patriots over the past six years, averaging 80 tackles, 5.8 pass defenses and 0.7 interceptions per season. His absence leaves offseason addition Adrian Phillips as the probable starter at strong safety, with second-round pick Kyle Dugger also in the mix for regular playing time.

Chung (ankle) agreed Wednesday with the Patriots on a two-year contract extension, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

The exact terms of Chung's new deal aren't known, but Yates notes that the veteran safety will receive a $3 million signing bonus and will be due $12.8 million total through the 2023 season. After Devin McCourty re-signed on a two-year, $23 million deal in March, New England looks like it will have both of its starting safeties in the fold for the duration of their careers. The 32-year-old Chung tallied 51 tackles and three pass breakups across his 13 appearances in 2019.

Chung (ankle) had his pending charge for cocaine possession conditionally dismissed Monday, Andrew Callahan of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chung was indicted Aug. 8 on the felony charge, which stemmed from a June 25 police raid in Meredith, N.H. According to the report from the Belknap County Attorney, Chung must remain in good legal standing for two years, submit periodic drug tests and complete 40 hours of community service to have the charge expunged from his record. The NFL could still choose to levy punishment on Chung if it's determined he violated the league's substance-abuse policy, though the lack of a conviction and the veteran safety's clean record prior to last summer's incident may aid his chances of avoiding a suspension.

Chung suffered a high-ankle sprain during Saturday's playoff loss to the Titans, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chung was forced out of the Wild Card loss during New England's first defensive series. He recorded just one tackle before leaving the field. The veteran safety's injury isn't cause for any notable concern, though high-ankle sprains usually carry a multi-week recovery timetable, since he'll have the benefit of a full offseason to get healthy.

Chung left Saturday's playoff loss to the Titans with an ankle injury.

EDGE Analysis

Chung recorded only one tackle before exiting the game, but he should have plenty of time to recovery with the Patriots uncharacteristic early departure from the playoffs. The veteran safety finished 2019 with 51 tackles (38 solo) and three passes defensed in 13 games.

Chung (heel) will play in Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

EDGE Analysis

Chung logged just limited practice time throughout the week with the heel issue, but shook off the injury. Now healthy, he's expected to assume his usual starting role as the teams strong safety.

Chung (illness/heel/chest) is active for Sunday's game against the Texans.

EDGE Analysis

Despite the assortment of injuries, Chung will tough it out once again. The 32-year-old safety has recorded 29 tackles and two pass breakups through eight games.