ESPN NFL

Someone must explain the thinking behind defensive tackle Mike Patterson's recent decision to sign a seven-year contract extension, through the 2016 season, with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The more one examines the deal, especially in comparison to the extensions signed by two other members of the sterling Philadelphia draft class of 2005, the more dubious it looks. And not just because it locks up the former first-rounder for perhaps his entire NFL career, with the possibility of never having gone into the free-agent market before he retires.

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