The Baltimore Ravens have signed linebacker Ed Hartwell to a
six-year deal worth $24.25 million. Hartwell, one of the most sought after free agent linebackers this off-season, met with several teams before finally signing with Atlanta.
Hartwell has played with the Baltimore Ravens the past four seasons. The Kansas City Chiefs were the next closest team in the running for Hartwell. The Falcons offered more money, so Hartwell decided to go with Atlanta. The Seahawks had been interested as well, but did not want to offer a lot of money.
The Falcons coaches really encouraged Hartwell that Atlanta would be a good fit for him.
"They made me feel wanted and I just think it's a great organization, a great city, and a great chance to win a Super Bowl," said Hartwell. "There are a lot of really good players there already and I hope I can add that something special, having come from a winning program, that helps get them over the hump. The more they called, the more it all came together and, on Sunday, I told my agent, 'Get a deal done with them. It's where I want to be.' And he took care of business."
In Baltimore, Hartwell played in a 3-4 system, but the Falcons will go with a 4-3 defense. He will start along with Keith Brooking and likely Demorrio Williams.
The Falcons have made several key offseason moves to upgrade their defense already, but Hartwell is the biggest upgrade.