The Falcons reportedly went aggressively after Charles Johnson, but watched him return to the Panthers.
So they’ve just signed the next best pass rusher left on the market.
Jay Glazer of FOX reports that the Falcons have agreed to terms with Ray Edwards on a five-year deal. There were earlier indications that Atlanta dropped out of the bidding for the former Vikings defensive end, but the market for him didn’t materialize as expected.
We’re guessing that his price had to come down, and ultimately Atlanta felt comfortable with the value. The team cut Michael Jenkins and Jamaal Anderson Friday morning to help make room.
This is a move made out of necessity for Atlanta. John Abraham isn’t getting any younger, and the team just didn’t feel it had enough of a pass rusher outside of Abraham.
UPDATE: Florio got the numbers. Edwards will get $11.5 guaranteed, and $30 million over five years. That’s pretty reasonable compared to other contracts this offseason. (And less than half the money Johnson got.)