Falcons sign Edwards, bring back Ulmer

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Looking for an upgrade at safety, the Atlanta Falcons signed former first-round pick Antuan Edwards on Wednesday.

Edwards won't be active for Sunday's game at Miami but could play a key role down the stretch.

With Bryan Scott and Keion Carpenter as the current starters, safety has been one of the most vulnerable positions on the defensive side.

"It was a good pickup for us," coach Jim Mora said. "It's that time of year when we are heading down the stretch and we're looking for guys that can help us get where we want to get."

The Falcons also brought back linebacker Artie Ulmer, who played in 82 games for Atlanta from 2001-04. He excelled on the special teams, but had been out of the league this season.

To make room on the roster, the Falcons released safety Cam Newton and linebacker Antoine Cash, and terminated cornerback Ahmad Treaudo from the practice squad.

Edwards, drafted 25th by Green Bay in 1999, has played in 68 games - including 31 starts - during his seven-year career. He was with the Packers through 2003, then spent last season with Miami and St. Louis.

Edwards went to camp with the New England Patriots this year, but was cut after playing in one preseason game.

"He had a thumb problem in New England and seems to be just about healthy now," Mora said. "I'm glad that we were able to get someone of his caliber at this point in time."

Cash played for Falcons defensive coordinator Ed Donatell at Green Bay, which should help ease the transition.

"He's a guy who's a veteran and has some savvy and toughness," Mora said. "He's smart and he knows the game. He can play quickly without a lot of reps. He knows that system because he has played for Ed, so he's familiar with him.

"Now, I don't know how soon he'll play, but it's nice to have a guy like that in the bullpen."