The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have signed defensive end Ray Edwardsto a five-year contract.
Edwards, 6-5, 268 pounds, was originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round (127th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. In five seasons with the Vikings, Edwards posted 139 tackles (43 solo), 29.5 sacks, 11 passes defensed and six forced fumbles.
Last season, the Purdue University product played in 14 games and notched 37 tackles (28 solo), eight sacks and two passes defensed on a Minnesota defense that produced 31 sacks and ranked ninth in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing just 102.2 yards per game. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2009, with a career-high 8.5 sacks and tied a Vikings playoff record with three sacks in a Divisional round playoff game vs. Dallas (1/17). He also set a Vikings record for most sacks in the playoffs with four.
Closer Look at Edwards
- Andy Levitre on Twitter @Ray_Edwards
- Video: Edwards discusses free agency and his boxing career with NFL Network
- Stats: Ray Edwards' NFL.com profile
