DE Ray Edwards released by Falcons

The Falcons reportedly released defensive end Ray Edwards on Monday. Edwards was a big free-agent signing for Atlanta less than a year and a half ago.

Falcons are making a surprise move and releasing DE Ray Edwards, a big free agent pickup couple of years ago

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 13, 2012

The Falcons signed Edwards before the 2011 season, hoping he would provide a threat on the end of their defensive line. In his two previous seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, he totaled 16.5 sacks in 30 starts, but Edwards has disappointed in Atlanta. Last year, he amassed just 3.5 sacks in 16 starts. This season, Edwards has played in nine games, but he has started only four, and he has not recorded a sack.

Edwards signed with Atlanta for five years and $27.5 million, $11 million of which was guaranteed. The seven-year veteran out of Purdue was drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played five seasons in Minnesota before signing with the Falcons.