The Philadelphia Eagles released defensive tackle Mike Patterson on Monday, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Mike Patterson released by Eagles
After he missed most of last season due to brain surgery and later an illness, the Eagles released Mike Patterson on Monday.
Al Bello
Monday’s release ends Patterson’s eight-year career in Philadelphia. He developed into a mainstay at defensive tackle, starting 99 games during his first seven seasons. That changed last season, when Patterson missed the first eight games of the season after undergoing brain surgery during the offseason. He was originally expected to miss the entire season but returned to play in five games. The Eagles placed him on the non-football injury/illness list in December after he contracted viral pneumonia.
Patterson and the Eagles had some issues late last season after Philadelphia cut his salary after placing him on the non-football injury/illness list. By releasing him now, Philadelphia will save $3 million against their 2013 salary cap according to Spotrac. The 29-year-old Patterson played three seasons of the seven-year $33.5 million contract extension he signed in 2006.
Despite his ailments in 2012, Patterson intends to continue playing according to Shefter's report. The Seattle Seahawks could be one landing spot as Patterson would reunite with his college coach Pete Carroll. Patterson's release was Philadelphia's second major move of the day as it released defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins Monday morning.
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