The Atlanta Falcons, with three starting offensive linemen headed to unrestricted free agency, will not be a player for defensive end Ray Edwards.

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has reported steadily that the Falcons would be in the mix for the veteran from the Minnesota Vikings in an effort to beef up the defensive line.

Apparently, the Falcons have cooled and will channel their resources to prevent their own players from departing via free agency. Per Ledbetter, Edwards is likely ticketed for the Philadelphia Eagles. That would make sense when you consider Brandon Graham, the club’s first-round draft pick a year ago, is in doubt for this season after undergoing microfracture surgery on his knee.

Ledbetter is also confident the Carolina Panthers will retain running back DeAngelo Williams and defensive end Charles Johnson. It will get going for real soon enough.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune