Falcons release Ray Edwards, according to report

The Atlanta Falcons have released defensive end Ray Edwards, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported via Twitter Monday night.

Falcons are making a surprise move and releasing DE Ray Edwards, a big free agent pickup couple of years ago

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 13, 2012

The release is somewhat of a shocker, considering Edwards signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the team during the 2011 offseason — including $11 million guaranteed.

Edwards never caught on as the complement to defensive end John Abraham in Atlanta. He had only 3.5 sacks last season, and he had been demoted to a backup role this season. Through the Falcons’ first nine games this year, he had only nine tackles and no sacks.

The Falcons lost their first game of this season on Sunday to the New Orleans Saints, ending their run at an undefeated season.