The Atlanta Falcons are looking to add DE Ray Edwards through free agency once anybody can figure out what free agency is, according to Len Pasquarelli. His availability will depend on what sort of collective bargaining agreement can be struck between the NFL and NFLPA.
The Minnesota Vikings veteran has 29.5 career sacks in five seasons, producing five or more in four straight and eight or more in two straight. He's worked opposite Jared Allen for the past three years and alongside perhaps the NFL's best defensive tackle combination.
It's apparent the Falcons want to add a free agent defensive presence -- Friday at Julio Jones' introductory press conference, GM Thomas Dimitroff said, "We kicked off this offseason talking about how incredibly important it was for us to add an explosive, play-making element to this team. We feel, on the offense, we have done that." Specifying "on offense" backs up the common thinking that the team will look to add an impact defender through a non-draft avenue.
While Kroy Biermann was productive -- if you look beyond just sacks -- in 2010, bookend John Abraham provided the bulk of the team's pass rush. The Falcons love to rotate defensive tackles, so adding Edwards and using Biermann to give the two starters plenty of rest could be the move.
The team could still look to draft a pass rusher, as plenty of good ones still remain heading into Saturday's final day. Sam Acho, for instance.
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