Told you the pieces would start landing once Tyson Clabo re-signed. FOX's Jay Glazer reported Friday afternoon that the Atlanta Falcons had agreed to five-year contract terms with Minnesota Vikings DE Ray Edwards, who'd reportedly been the team's top target for months now.
Update: D. Orlando Ledbetter confirms "Air Blank departs at 6:01 p.m. to scoop him up."
Update: Adam Schefter says the deal is for $30 million, with $11 million guaranteed.
Rumors throughout the week have had the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and others also jockeying for his services. The Eagles dropped out, if they were ever in, upon landing Jason Babin, while we don't yet know if the others were interested.
We also don't yet know how much the Falcons paid for Edwards. The team can afford a move like this, having released two former first-round picks Friday, though they still have a few key free agents left to re-sign. Edwards won't be able to join the team for practice until next week, if indeed he has agreed to terms with the team, but wow.
In five years as a Viking, Edwards compiled 29.5 sacks in 72 games and 58 starts. He's put up eight or more sacks in two straight seasons and five or more in four straight. He'll be penciled in as the starter opposite John Abraham from day one on.
How do we feel about Atlanta's defense now?
Updated free agency chart:
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