Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons pick up Neal’s fifth-year option

January 6, 2018 Los Angeles: Falcons safety Keanu Neal reacts to leveling Rams running back Todd Gurley with a hard hit during the second half in their NFL Wild Card Game on Saturday, January 6, 2018, in Los Angeles. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

January 6, 2018 Los Angeles: Falcons safety Keanu Neal reacts to leveling Rams running back Todd Gurley with a hard hit during the second half in their NFL Wild Card Game on Saturday, January 6, 2018, in Los Angeles. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
By
April 24, 2019

As expected, the Falcons picked up the fifth-year option on safety Keanu Neal on Wednesday.

Neal, who missed most of last season after suffering a season-ending knee injury in the season opener, was drafted in the first round (17th overall) of the 2017 draft.

Neal, 23, went to the Pro Bowl after the 2017 season.

Subscribe to "The Bow Tie Chronicles" podcast with the AJC's D. Orlando Ledbetter on iTunes or on the new AJC sports podcasts page.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

Follow D. Orlando Ledbetter on facebookFollow D. Orlando Ledbetter on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus (left) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Bruce Kluckhohn/AP)

Credit: AP

Falcons’ Raheem Morris: ‘Those two young rushers set us off with a bunch of energy’

"I can’t say enough about those young guys. I can’t say enough about what they’ve done. They want to know how to play football every single day, says Coach Morris.

What the Falcons had to say after the 22-6 win over the Vikings

Atlanta players sound off on getting their first win, their new kicker’s spectacular debut, the success of their offensive line and running game and more.

Falcons’ Michael Penix on Bijan Robinson: ‘He’s the best running back in this league’

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. talks about the 22-6 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

The Latest

After rushing for 24 yards on 12 carries in the season-opening loss to the Buccaneers, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ran for 143 yards on 22 carries against the Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Mike Stewart/AP)

Credit: AP

What the Falcons had to say after the 22-6 win over the Vikings

Falcons’ Raheem Morris: ‘Those two young rushers set us off with a bunch of energy’

Falcons’ Michael Penix on Bijan Robinson: ‘He’s the best running back in this league’

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

A Braves fan took a ball to the face. The team may be liable, judges say.

The Atlanta Braves and former right fielder Jorge Soler face a lawsuit by a fan hit in the eye with a ball during a World Series game at Truist Park in 2021.

Joro spiders multiply across Georgia, spinning their pesky webs

The invasive species has multiplied rapidly in Atlanta in the last three years, research shows.

Ford settles billion-dollar Georgia lawsuits over fatal wrecks

Ford Motor Co. has settled two Georgia lawsuits that elicited record-setting jury verdicts of $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion, ending more than a decade of litigation.