SUWANEE, Ga. -- Defensive tackle Rick Bryan and safety Scott Case, who were drafted to help rebuild the Atlanta Falcons' defense, have signed contracts and joined preseason workouts Friday.
Bryan, a 6-4, 260-pounder, and Case, a 6-0, 178-pounder, joined the squad eight days after rookies were scheduled to report.
'I really wanted to play in the NFL because I feel they have the best talent,' said Case, who along with Bryan starred at Oklahoma.
Terms of the contracts were not disclosed but it was reported Bryan would receive a four-year deal worth an estimated $2.5 million.
The Falcons also were reported near agreement with their other second-round choice, linebacker Thomas Benson, also of Oklahoma. Benson is their only draft choice still unsigned.
The Falcons also were negotiating a new four-year pact with star running back William Andrews, reportedly worth as much as $8 million with payment spread over 35 years.
Bryan and Case reached agreement followed a rash of signings Thursday by veterans Jeff Van Note, Lynn Cain and Alfred Jenkins.
The only absentees at the Falcons' camp Friday were Benson and veteran tight end Junior Miller, who has asked to be traded.
'We'll try to oblige if we can,' said Atlanta general manager Tom Bratz. 'His (Miller's) agent is the same guy who had Joel Williams last year.'
Williams, a linebacker, was traded to Philadelphia last year because of contract differences.
