PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Philadelphia Eagles have released veteran defensive tackles Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson.

Jenkins signed a five-year, $30 million contract with the Eagles in 2011 and started every game the last two seasons. He was due to make $5.5 million this season, but rebuilding Philadelphia cut the 32-year-old Jenkins on Monday.

After spending the first seven seasons of his NFL career with Green Bay, Jenkins left for Philadelphia. He had 5 1-2 sacks in 2011 and four in 2012.

``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,'' Roseman said of Jenkins. ``By releasing him at this point, it gives he and his agent more time to sign on with another team.''

Patterson, the team's longest-tenured player, spent eight seasons with the Eagles. A first-round draft pick in 2005 out of Southern California, the 29-year-old Patterson played in 115 games with 99 starts. He made 551 tackles, 16 1-2 sacks, had four forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.

Most memorable was the Eagles' longest fumble return for a touchdown, a 98-yarder at San Francisco in 2006.

Patterson underwent brain surgery in January 2012, but returned to the Eagles for five games last season. He was diagnosed with a brain malformation in August 2012 after suffering a seizure during a training camp practice.

``Mike Patterson is one of the toughest players I have ever been around in the National Football League,'' said Roseman. ``He has overcome many obstacles throughout his career and I have the upmost respect for him because of it.''