Former Patriots safety James Sanders and the Falcons agreed to terms on a one-year contract Tuesday, a source familiar with the deal told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The Patriots released the six-year veteran, who was tied for second on the team with three interceptions last season. He was due to make a base salary of $2.8M in 2011.

The Falcons will move closer to their elusive goal of putting their first-string defensive line together when defensive end Ray Edwards makes his preseason debut on Saturday night at Pittsburgh. "I'm ready to go," he said after Thursday's practice, according to an ESPN.com report.

The Falcons gave up a lot to move up in April's NFL Draft to take wide receiver Julio Jones. Some criticized general manager Thomas Dimitroff for giving up five draft picks for the right to draft Jones, but Atlanta sees a potential star. "Our expectations with Julio are for him to be a legitimate contributor from Day 1 and he has done nothing to make us feel that's off base," Dimitroff said.

The Falcons have signed tight end Reggie Kelly. Atlanta originally drafted Kelly in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. The Falcons are thin at tight end after Justin Peelle suffered a knee injury against Miami. The extent of Peelle’s injujry has not be fully disclosed. Kelly last played for the Falcons in 2002.

Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards will miss the preseason opener Friday. Atlanta coach Mike Smith said Edwards had knee surgery sometime during the lockout and isn't quite ready to participate in a game. Smith said it was a "minor procedure" and Edwards wasn't around to elaborate. Edwards was signed away from the Vikings with a five-year deal worth $27.25 million.

Falcons wide receiver Roddy White believes the team has the chance to be very special this season. "This offense can be great," White said. "We're loaded. We are loaded. We already were pretty good and we added the guys we needed to add." White had huge praise for rookie receiver Julio Jones, who is expected to be the other starter. "He can get down the field and really help us with explosive plays," White said. "There's nothing wrong with going out there for two or three plays and getting a touchdown. I think a lot of our drives this year are going to end that way."

Jason Snelling's return to the Falcons isn't yet official. The running back has an offer on the table from Atlanta, but he hasn't yet accepted. Snelling has had dealings with the Rams, Giants and Chiefs.

The Falcons and running back Jason Snelling have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, according to a source. Snelling, the top backup to Michael Turner, had been testing the market as a restricted free agent.