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Sports

Eagles cut loose DL's Jenkins, Patterson

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Eagles parted ways with a pair of veteran defensive linemen on Monday, with the team informing tackles Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson of their release.

Jenkins started all 32 games during his two seasons with the Eagles, who signed the nine-year pro to a five-year contract during the team's free-agent spending spree following the 2011 lockout, and totaled 66 tackles and 9 1/2 sacks over that span. However, the 32-year-old was due a reported $5.5 million salary and was deemed expendable with the team having younger and cheaper options available in 2012 first-round pick Fletcher Cox and Cedric Thornton.

"He has been a very productive player in this league for a long time, but we felt it in our team's best interests that we go in a different direction," said Eagles general manager Howie Roseman of Jenkins. "By releasing him at this point, it gives he and his agent more time to sign on with another team. We wish Cullen and his family all the best as he continues his NFL career."

Patterson had been the Eagles' longest tenured member, having spent the past eight seasons with the organization since being taken in the first round of the 2005 draft. His career has been derailed by a number of medical issues, however, most notably an arteriovenous malformation in his brain that caused him to suffer a seizure in training camp during August of 2011.

The 29-year-old returned to play in 15 games that season, but was limited to just five games last year after having surgery for the condition in January of 2012.

"Mike Patterson is one of the toughest players I have ever been around in the National Football League," said Roseman in a statement. "He has overcome many obstacles throughout his career and I have the upmost respect for him because of it. Coach (Chip) Kelly and I each had a great conversations today with him. He is a class act. He gave this organization eight great seasons of hard work and dedication and we wish him all the best as he continues his career in this league."

Patterson started a total of 99 games with Philadelphia and compiled 338 tackles, 16 1/2 sacks and one interception over 115 contests overall.