Terrence Edwards was listed on the Steelers' web site as one of that team's
rookie
free-agent signees Monday, but Edwards' agent said the former Georgia wide
receiver decided to stay home with the Falcons.
"It wasn't a higher-bid scenario,'' said agent Len Rowe, who admitted he
and
Edwards were still "shocked and disappointed'' Edwards was not picked in
the
NFL draft this weekend.
"We're doing a deal with Atlanta because Atlanta is home and he wanted an
opportunity to make the team,'' Rowe said. "He's a Falcons fan and he
wanted
that opportunity.''
Edwards completed his college career with most of Georgia's receiving
records and as the Southeastern Conference's career leader in receiving
yards.
But Edwards' draft stock fell when he weighed in at the NFL combine lighter
than expected and then did not run well at Georgia's pro day in Athens.
"Terrence got hurt in the first quarter of the Senior Bowl (all-star game)
and wasn't able to train for (the pro day workout),'' said Rowe, who has
offices in New Jersey and Atlanta. "He didn't run a great 40 that day and
that scared off some teams.
"We know Terrence can run. We all know Terrence is a quality player and a
quality person. He's going to give it 100 percent with the Falcons.''
Edwards did not return phone messages Monday.
The Falcons have worked to upgrade the receiver position to give quarterback
Michael Vick some speed at the position. The team traded its first-round
pick in the draft for receiver Peerless Price and also signed veteran free
agent Martay Jenkins.
In the draft, the Falcons selected two receivers Sunday - Jon Olinger of
Cincinnati and LaTarence Dunbar of Texas Christian.
Atlanta announced 13 rookie free-agent signings Monday, including receivers
Jamal Burke of Boston College and John Lewis of Oklahoma State.
Despite the competition at receiver with the Falcons, Edwards likes his
chances to make Atlanta's roster.
"He felt he would have the best opportunity to make the team,'' Rowe said.
"It's nothing against the Steelers organization. It was just that his heart
was here in Atlanta.''
Rowe said Edwards hopes to use the hurt of not being drafted "as a
motivating factor, and he's going to go out and give 100 percent and
hopefully make those teams regret not picking him.''
Edwards is expected to sign with the Falcons today, a source with the team
confirmed.
Georgia had seven players drafted: defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan, New
Orleans; offensive tackle George Foster, Denver; linebacker Boss Bailey,
Detroit; offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb, New Orleans; running back Musa
Smith, Baltimore; linebacker Tony Gilbert, Arizona; and fullback J.T. Wall,
Pittsburgh. Sullivan and Foster were first-round picks.
Four Georgia players signed as rookie free agents Monday: offensive guard
Kevin Breedlove, San Diego; defensive end Nic Clemons and linebacker Chris
Clemons, Washington and offensive tackle Kareem Marshall, Philadelphia.
Rowe also represents Georgia offensive guard Alex Jackson. Rowe said Jackson
has interest from some teams but has not yet signed.