PHILADELPHIA – Reggie Brown’s knack for making big plays earned him a bigger contract faster than expected.

Brown signed a five-year extension Friday that would keep the second-year wide receiver with the Philadelphia Eagles through 2014. The deal, agreed upon late Thursday night, reportedly is worth up to $27 million and includes $10 million in guaranteed money.

“Money has nothing to do with what I do on the field,” said Brown, who is known for his strong work ethic. “I still have to go out there and play and prove myself.”

A second-round pick last season, Brown is the third member of that draft class to get a long-term extension from the Eagles in the past eight days.

Defensive tackle Mike Patterson (first round) and defensive end Trent Cole (fifth round) also signed new deals. Patterson got a five-year extension worth up to $31.3 million, including $9 million in guaranteed money. Cole got a five-year extension worth $25.8 million, including $12 million in guaranteed money.

Like his teammates, Brown knew he could be giving up more money in the future by signing now.

“The gamble is to go for what you think is right,” he said. “I weighed all those options and made my decision. It’s a good feeling to be able to help everybody that helped me.

“I love this city and I love this team. I have no problem playing here for however long it’ll be. This organization is committed to winning.”

Brown showed promise when he became a starter after Terrell Owens was banished from the team midway through last season. With Donte’ Stallworth sidelined most of the first half of season, Brown emerged as Donovan McNabb’s primary target.

He has 26 catches for 502 yards and six touchdowns, including one rushing score. Brown’s average of 19.3 yards per catch is best among receivers with at least 25 receptions, and he has two 100-yard games. Last year, Brown led all rookies with 571 yards receiving on 43 catches.

“He’s done a nice job,” coach Andy Reid said. “He’s worked very hard, one of the hardest workers we have on the football team. He’s got good quickness and strength. He’s a good player right now and he has a chance to even be better.”

Brown’s signing continues a trend for the Eagles. Earlier this year, guard Shawn Andrews signed a contract extension through 2015. In July, center Jamaal Jackson signed an extension through 2013. Free safety Brian Dawkins and punter Dirk Johnson also signed extensions this year.

The deadline for allotting signing bonuses to this year’s salary cap was Monday, but the Eagles and Brown’s agent, Bill Johnson, couldn’t strike a deal in time. Still, management wanted to make sure Brown didn’t get a chance to test free agency after his original contract expired.

“We want to keep him around here,” Reid said. “He’s going to do nothing but get better as time goes on.”

The Eagles hadn’t had much success drafting receivers in the early rounds since Reid arrived in 1999. Freddie Mitchell, a first-round pick in 2001, is the most notable bust. Billy McMullen, a third-round pick in 2003, and fourth-round picks Na Brown (1999) and Gari Scott (2000) never panned out.

Only Todd Pinkston, a second-round pick in 2000, became a full-time player for the Eagles. Pinkston started 61 games from 2001-04, but never had more than 60 catches, 798 yards or seven TDs in a season.

AP-ES-11-10-06 1525EST

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