Defensive end Reed signs with Cardinals

Defensive end Brooks Reed became the second player released by the Falcons to sign with the Arizona Cardinals.

Reed, who officially was released Thursday, joined cornerback Robert Alford with the Cardinals on Saturday. Reed, 31, signed with the Falcons in 2015. He played in 60 games and made 34 starts.

He didn’t produce much as a pass-rusher, as he had only seven sacks, but did a good job against the run. The Falcons created $4.5 million in salary-cap space by releasing him.

Reed, who was drafted by the Texans, signed a five-year, $22.5 million deal March 10, 2015. He received $9 million guaranteed. In the 2017 season opener against the Bears, Reed came up with a game-clinching sack in a 23-17 victory. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Reed’s deal was worth about $2 million.

Reed, like Alford, was cut by the Falcons in a cost-cutting move. He played in all 16 games for the Falcons last season, starting half of them, with 24 tackles and a sack. Reed is expected to move to outside linebacker in the Cardinals’ 3-4 scheme.