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.

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) is unable to catch the ball under pressure from Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson (2) during the second half of an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

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Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

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