The Atlanta Falcons sent a message to the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints and the rest of the NFL on Thursday and Friday during the early stages of the 2011 free agency frenzy.
Not only did the team deal all of its draft picks, but also retained the star offensive tackle Tyson Clabo and one of the best defensive ends on the open market in Ray Edwards.
Made official Friday afternoon, Clabo’s new contract entails $25 million five-year deal with an $11.5 signing bonus.
Tyson Clabo was an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest and began his post-collegiate career in NFL Europa before shining in Atlanta.
Clabo hasn’t been out of a starting job since 2006, when he first took over for Matt Lehr and made the Pro Bowl last season.
The star right tackle can’t make things official until 6pm Friday.
Ray Edwards was an amazing sack artist for the Minnesota Vikings. In 2008, the high-caliber pass-rusher achieved eight sacks, by no means a small feat. He blew that number out of the water last season with a career-best 19 sacks, which led to his skyrocketing status heading into this year’s open market.
Edwards, 26, is a six-year veteran in his prime and he looks to excel in a Falcons uniform.
“Ray is a very good defensive end,” Tom Dimitroff said. “But part of production as a pass rusher and a sacker and a defensive end is to pressure, is to collapse the pocket, is to throw blocks aside and cause mayhem for the quarterback consistently. That’s important.”
The Falcons and Edwards agreed to terms on a five-year deal, confirmed by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The agreement is worth $30 million over the five years, including $11 million guaranteed.
Atlanta also agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Mike Peterson. Last season, Peterson started at weakside linebacker and helped the Falcons’ run defense rank 10th in the league (105.9 yards per game). Peterson made 79 tackles and had one sack, two interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and five deflected passes.
Wide receiver Julio Jones also agreed to a four-year, $16.2 million deal late Thursday.
At the same time, the Falcons said adios to running back Jerious Norwood and punter Michael Koenen.
The high-powered Atlanta Falcons continue to fill the roster on both sides of the football with talent and are moving in the right direction. It’s going to be a daunting battle in the NFC South this season, but Matty Ice and Co. seem to be geared up to do everything possible to stay in front.
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