Falcons release DE Edwards

Defensive end Ray Edwards, who had started all 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons last year and four games this season, was released by the Falcons on Monday, the team announced.

The Falcons signed him in 2011 to a five-year, $27.5 million salary, but he has not fulfilled expectations.

He had 3.5 sacks last season and none this year while playing in all nine games. His playing time had dwindled in recent games, and he totaled just nine tackles for the year.

Edwards is still just 27 years old, and if no team claims his prorated $3 million base salary, he'll become a free agent.