Eagles Cut Mike Patterson
And another one.
The Eagles parted with Cullen Jenkins earlier Monday, then later announced that they cut ties with fellow veteran tackle Mike Patterson as well.
“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 utmost 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.”
Patterson was slated to make a base salary of $2.9 million this season, and carried a cap number around $4 million.
The former first-round pick was the team’s longest-tenured player (That distinction now belongs to Trent Cole and Todd Herremans). The 29-year-old appeared in 115 games (99 starts) at defensive tackle for the Eagles and racked up 551 tackles, 16.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.
The past couple season have been defined by health issues and his ability to fight through them. During training camp in 2011, Patterson suffered a seizure and was diagnosed with a brain AVM. Patterson played the entire year and had brain surgery in the offseason.
He returned to the field in Week 9 of this past season against the Saints, only to be hospitalized with viral pneumonia in December. The Eagles caught some flak for placing Patterson on the non-football injury/illness list, a move that could have cost the defensive tackle $150,000 in pay. Eventually the Eagles decided to pay him the full amount owed.
Patterson released the following statement upon his release:
“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.”