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Patriots Re-Sign Safety Patrick Chung

BOSTON (CBS) -- Patrick Chung is returning to Foxboro.

The sixth-year safety has re-signed with the New England Patriots, the team announced Thursday.

The news was first reported by CSNNE's Tom E. Curran.

"I'm glad to be back. It's like family here. It feels like home. I'm glad to be back," Chung said Thursday. "I love the fans, love the coaches, love the environment, love the city. It was like a blessing."

Chung, 26, was drafted in the second round of the 2009 draft by the Patriots at No. 34 overall.

Chung spent his first four NFL seasons with the Patriots, intercepting seven passes, recording three sacks and forcing one fumble while making 239 tackles in 50 regular-season games.

He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent last year, but he was released in early March.

"I feel like it's a better fit here," Chung said. "I've been here for four years. I know the system, I know the coaches. The coaches are cool. I know most of the players. All locker rooms change but I know most of the players. This is a good environment. I've been here for a while so I feel like part of me is home. I'm always going to come back here regardless. I always came back here to help the city regardless of where I was. Now I'm back in the city that gave me my very first chance, my very first opportunity, so I feel like its home."

The Patriots released safety Steve Gregory this offseason, and reports have surfaced about the team considering putting cornerback Logan Ryan at safety next season. Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon, Adrian Wilson and Tavon Wilson are the other safeties on the roster.

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