The Philadelphia Eagles have undergone a number of changes this offseason and that continued on Monday as the team released defensive tackles Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson while still attending the NFL Scouting Combine.
According to ESPN.com, the team announced the moves on Monday and marks another departure from the "Dream Team" free agent offseason in 2011 that saw the Eagles sign a number of free agents, including Jenkins, who joined the team on a five-year, $25 million deal. Quarterback Vince Young gave the team the "Dream Team" nickname, but the hype was not real as the Eagles stumbled to an 8-8 record and missed the playoffs.
Jenkins worked with the team to restructure his contract last season so he could stay with the Eagles and he was set to make $5.5 million in 2013.
Patterson had serious brain surgery last year while with the team after suffering a seizure at practice in August of 2011. Patterson was diagnosed with a brain AVM, but he said that he has felt as good as he has in three years and would like to continue his playing career, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Patterson was the longest-tenured player on the Eagles since being a first-round draft pick in 2005 and spent eight years with the team. He finished his Eagles career with 338 tackles and 16.5 sacks.
"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," Patterson said in a statement.
The Eagles have made a number of moves this offseason, including asking star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha to restructure his contract instead of being released, sources said to ESPN.com. The 31-year-old cornerback is set to made $15 million after signing a five-year, $60 million contract in 2011, but has been a disappointment performance-wise over the past two seasons.
Jenkins was a major figure on the Eagles defense over the past couple years and played in all 32 games with the team since signing. He made 9.5 sacks over the past two season, including four in 2012. He played his first seven years with the Packers and has 38.5 sacks over 125 games while also helping Green Bay win the Super Bowl in 2010.
"I had a chance to speak with Cullen today and let him know of our decision," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said in a statement. "It's one of the most difficult parts of the job. 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. 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."
The Eagles have brought back quarterback Michael Vick and also signed backup Dennis Dixon to join Nick Foles and Trent Edwards on the roster. Kelly said that Vick will have a chance to compete for the starting position next season and while it has not went down yet, rumors have circulated that the team is planning to trade Foles.
