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The cuts just keep on coming! Just hours after the Eagles announced they were parting ways with DT Cullen Jenkins, they made the decision to axe former 2005 first round pick DT Mike Patterson as well. The salary cap casualty will save the Eagles roughly $3-$4 million in cap space.

“Mike Patterson is one of the toughest players I have ever been around in the National Football League,” said Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. “He has overcome many obstacles throughout his career and I have the upmost respect for him because of it. Coach Kelly and I each had great conversations with him today. 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.”

The 29 year old defensive lineman has spent his entire eight year career in midnight green playing in 115 games(99 starts) and produced 551 tackles, 16.5 sacks four forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries including setting a franchise record for a rookie defensive tackle in 2005 with 3.5 sacks.

The former USC star signed a seven year extension in 2006 through 2016 but with the recent changes with the coaching staff and defense, Chip Kelly has a new vision and is looking to revamp a mediocre defensive line in 2012. Also with Patterson’s health issues and ability to stay on the football field after only playing in five games in 2012 due to brain surgery after he was diagnose with a CAM in 2011 following a seizure during training camp.

Patterson has been a solid player but never lived up to that first round hype. He never truly developed in being a dominant force in the middle of that defensive line and now that the Eagles are moving to a 3-4 he just doesn’t fit what the Eagles would like to do. Since he was solid against the run and clogging holes in the middle many speculated with the departure of Cullen Jenkins the Eagles would give Patterson a shot in the “5 Technique” as rookie standout DL Fletcher Cox most likely moving outside to DE in Kelly’s new scheme but that isn’t the case.

Probably Patterson’s most memorable moment was when he hustled down the field recording the Eagles franchise record for the longest fumble return for a 98yd touchdown at San Francisco on September 24, 2006. Despite his recent health issues, he says he expects to continue his playing career and we wish him the best. Always a humble guy could get some interest from other teams but only for the right price.

With this move it shows the Eagles are looking to really revamp this poor defensive unit with young, quality talent and could mean more moves to come. So stay tuned!!!!

DT Patterson’s Message to Fans

“I want to thank the fans for all of their support over eight years in Philadelphia. It is never easy to say goodbye to a fan base that supported me no matter what. My goal was to come to work every day to try and make the Philadelphia Eagles the best organization we could be. The Eagles organization has treated me and my family with nothing but respect since the day I was drafted and I wish Mr. Lurie, Howie, the new coaches and all of my teammates all the best going forward. I will miss them all and I will always have a place in my heart for the Eagles and for the city of Philadelphia.”