Falcons cut linebackers Hartwell, Reese; sign FB Ovie Mughelli

<p>The Atlanta Falcons opened free agency Friday by signing fullback Ovie Mughelli and releasing injury-plagued linebacker Ed Hartwell, who played only 13 games in two seasons after signing a $26.25 million contract.</p><p>The Falcons also released another veteran linebacker, Ike Reese, who was used primarily on special teams.</p><p>The 6-foot-1, 255-pound Mughelli, who spent the last four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, agreed to a six-year, $18 million contract that includes a $5 million signing bonus.</p><p>Even though Mughelli has only 12 career carries for 50 yards, new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino was willing to pay top dollar for a bruising blocker who could clear holes for running backs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood.</p><p>"Ovie is one of the top blocking fullbacks in the National Football League," Petrino said. "Adding a player of his caliber to our team immediately makes us better."</p><p>Last season's fullbacks, Justin Griffith and Fred McCrary, are both unrestricted free agents.</p><p>Hartwell received a four-year contract and $8.5 million signing bonus when he left Baltimore two years ago to bolster the Falcons' run defense. But he tore an Achilles' tendon in just the fifth game with his new team, knocking him out for the rest of the 2005 season.</p><p>Shortly before last season, Hartwell underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees, delaying his return. He wound up starting only 11 games in two seasons with the Falcons.</p><p>Reese played in all 32 games for Atlanta after being signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2005. His release saves the team $700,000 under the salary cap.</p><p>Hartwell's release clears the way for third-year player Jordan Beck to take over in the middle. Another option is outside linebacker Keith Brooking, who filled in during the frequent injuries.</p>

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