The Atlanta Falcons today signed C Ben Wilkerson and DB Tony Franklin. The team also waived five-year veteran G Toniu Fonoti and C Doug Datish.
Wilkerson, 6-4, 305 pounds, competed in three games for the Cincinnati Bengals last season and made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12. He was originally signed by the Bengals as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2005, but spent the season on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list.
Franklin, 5-10, 184 pounds, was signed as a rookie free agent from the University of Virginia. In his four year Cavalier career, Franklin totaled 208 tackles (151 solo), six interceptions and 12 passes defensed.
Datish was a sixth-round selection by the Falcons in the 2007 NFL Draft. Last season, he earned All-Big Ten Conference first-team honors at Ohio State after blocking for Heisman Trophy winner, Troy Smith.
Fonoti was signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Miami Dolphins on March 14, 2007. He has played in 40 career games, starting in 33.
