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The Atlanta Falcons just announced they have signed Maurice Lucas. Now, if they can just coax Bill Walton out of retirement, they’ll have the foundation of a championship team.

Oops, no that was the Portland Trailblazers back in the 1970s. This Maurice Lucas is a defensive end. Lucas spent last season on Atlanta’s practice squad and played collegiately at Colorado.

To make room for Lucas, the Falcons released defensive end Rajon Henley.

The Falcons already started moving toward the 2010 season Monday, as they signed eight players to futures contracts.

The list was highlighted by former University of Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockely, who previously has spent time on the regular roster and practice squad.

Center Rob Bruggerman, receiver James Swinton, receiver Andy Strickland, center Blake Schlueter, defensive end Maurice Lucas, running back Antone Smith and guard Jose Valdez also were signed. Lucas and Valdez spent all of the 2009 season on the Atlanta practice squad.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

D.J. Shockley is back with the Atlanta Falcons, a day after he was released.

The quarterback was one of eight players signed to the practice squad Sunday, the Falcons announced. In addition to Shockley, the Falcons also signed receiver Troy Bergeron, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, linebacker Robert James, defensive end Maurice Lucas, cornerback Glenn Sharpe, guard Jose Valdez and defensive tackle Vance Walker were signed to the practice squad.

Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

The Falcons have announced their cuts as they got down 53 players.

The following were released: wide receiver Troy Bergeron, running back Thomas Brown, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, wide receiver Robert Ferguson, linebacker Robert James, wide receiver Aaron Kelly, defensive end Maurice Lucas, cornerback William Middleton, tight end Jason Rader, quarterback D.J. Shockley, offensive guard Jose Valdez, defensive tackle Vance Walker and linebacker Jamie Winborn.

Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

The Falcons just sent out their official list of the undrafted rookies they have signed. They added 10 players, highlighted by Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson.

The rest of the list includes San Diego state receiver Darren Mougey, Clemson receiver Aaron Kelly, Colorado defensive end Maurice Lucas, Auburn long snapper Robert Shiver, West Virginia offensive lineman Ryan Stanchek, Arkansas offensive lineman Jose Valdez, Florida State linebacker Derek Nicholson, Northern Arizona punter/kicker Robbie Dehaze and Missouri linebacker Brock Christopher.