Eagles Sign Jones, Release Chung

The Eagles re-signed punter Donnie Jones to a three-year deal just minutes after the official start of free agency, and released safety Patrick Chung.

Jones was only able to sign a minimum-salary deal prior to the start of the league year, hence why nothing was struck until now. He was highly effective in 2013, and set a team record for punts downed inside the 20 (33). The previous high was 31 by Jeff Feagles in ’93. His new contract is reportedly worth upwards of $6 million.

Chung was a disappointment. He signed a three-year, $10 million deal (with a bit over $6 million reportedly guaranteed) last offseason and  began the year as the starter opposite Nate Allen, but injured his shoulder in late September against Kansas City and was largely ineffective thereafter. He was scheduled to make $3.25 million this season ($1 million guaranteed). The contract did include offset language, per cap expert Joel Corry, so the Eagles should be able to recoup some of that money.

There are currently only two safeties on the roster — Earl Wolff and Keelan Johnson. That promises to change soon.