Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung (25) during the AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles were very excited to announce its roster-addition on Twitter

“#Eagles agree to terms with 4 more players: CB Bradley Fletcher, S Patrick Chung, LB Jason Phillips and DL Isaac Sopoaga#FreeAgency”

Chung was drafted in the second round, 34^th overall of the 2009 NFL draft and during his four years in a Patriots uniform, his most productive season was in 2010 which he had a career-high three interceptions and a career best 89 tackles. Unfortunately, injuries took a tool on Chung as he finished the 2011 season with 67 tackles and one sack in only eight games. Last season he played 12 games; missing four games due to injuries.

When healthy, Patrick Chung can be a great asset to any team, but unfortunately for the Patriots it was time to move on, and perhaps, this transition will also be a refreshing start for Chung.

On the Patriots side, the transition should not have much of an impact as the departure of Donald Thomas might have later on in the season if (cross your fingers) something happens to Logan Mankins. I think the Patriots still have some flexibility at the safety position with Devin McCourty and Steve Gregory, but there are still so many variables to address as Aqib Talib still open to the market and the safety position should not be overlooked.

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Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Chung’s best asset might also be his biggest flaw, and that is his aggressive play and hard-hitting. The former Oregon Ducks star is one of the best hitting safeties in the NFL, and Chung plays the run extremely well for the safety position. Although he is a liability in deep coverage, Chung is actually about average covering intermediate routes, but covering obviously isn’t his forte.

I honestly think that the Patriots main reason for likely letting Chung walk isn’t because of poor play, and I don’t even think he fell out of favor with the staff anyway. I think the Pats are willing to let Chung go, because his injuries have made him unreliable. In fact, there might be no way for him to avoid constantly injured, because the reckless abandon with which he throws his body around in the defensive backfield makes him a valuable player. I could see Chung being an above-average starter for a team if restricted into an inside-the-box role, and I view him as a poor man’s LaRon Landry.

Seriously, Chung is the next-best thing for teams looking at Landry, and Chung’s price tag will be much lower than Landry’s. That’s especially since, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston, teams have questions about his health. Reiss writes that Chung is liking looking for a one-year deal to prove himself, and I could see him having success with another team. I hope he does, because it sounds like he won’t be back with the New England Patriots. That’s probably for the better, but I wouldn’t be disappointed if stays. In fact, I think Chung is superior to Steve Gregory. The only clear advantage Gregory holds over Chung is health, but that’s a huge advantage based on the sentiments echoed by most Pats fans and writers.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Berman highlighted three safeties in particular who would help this squad in AFC East standout Jairus Byrd, San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson, and New England Patriots injury-prone strong safety Patrick Chung. As the piece notes, both Byrd and Chung are former stars for the Oregon Ducks, so that could definitely influence Chip Kelly. Berman also writes that the Eagles could target a safety in the second-round (or later on in the draft).

The Eagles could use help at either free or strong safety, so it really doesn’t matter who they sign as long as that player is an upgrade. All three of them would be upgrades for either Nate Allen (I still think he has plenty to prove) and Kurt Coleman (he’s not bad, but he’s more of a third safety guy like the Patriots Steve Gregory).

Chung isn’t much of a coverage player, but his hard-hitting actually helps the team out in coverage. But in deep coverage, Chung is clearly subpar in that regard. His run defense and leadership are two qualities that can help out any team, but all of his good traits that make him a quality starting SS in this league are cut down a size due to his propensity for getting injured. The Eagles best option is obviously Byrd, but he’s also going to be the hardest guy for the Eagles to get.

The Patriots don’t have a need for Byrd since they already have a great free safety in Devin McCourty, but Dashon Goldson is a guy to watch for in free agency. He can also play at strong safety and was once offered a contract by the Patriots. However, it was a very cheap contract that he declined in order to stay with the 49ers. Goldson will most likely not sign with the Patriots and isn’t a “perfect” fit, but he would be an upgrade and is someone to at least keep the occasional tabs on this offseason.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.