The Atlanta Falcons announced the signing of sixth-round (171st overall) safety Shann Schillinger.

Financial terms of the four-year deal were not disclosed. The club also released undrafted rookie quarterback Eric Ward to fit Schillinger on the 80-man off-season roster.

A 6-0, 202-pound safety from the University of Montana, Schillinger was a two-year starter, totaling 255 tackles, with 10 career interceptions and 19 pass break-ups. Schillinger was named second-team All-Big Sky conference in 2008, and garnered first-team honors after last season.

Schillinger is expected to be a special teams standout for the Falcons, who have bolstered their secondary in recent drafts with 2008 third-round pick Thomas DeCoud and 2009 second-round pick William Moore.

Schillinger is the second of the Falcons' seven draft picks to sign a contract, joining third-round defensive tackle Corey Peters, who signed on Tuesday.